To unlock potential talent in its area and participate in organising structured football development at grassroots level, Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Mine has partnered with the South African Football Association’s (Safa) John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) structure, to create an environment conducive to developing early talent and regulating the game at entry level.
Kumba Iron Ore’s R1 million contribution to the partnership will be utilised to sponsor a local football league, provide medicals for 900 players, develop local referees, and train 30 school teachers to obtain Safa Level D coaching licences to improve the level of football in the region through the application of standardised coaching systems.
“Sport has the ability to bring people from different cultural backgrounds together and foster relationships which can positively contribute towards thriving communities,” said Kealeboga Pilane, socio economic development officer at Sishen Mine and project lead.
“We trust that the funding provided to Safa’s JTG structure will positively impact grassroots football in the region and unearth world-class talent.”
Expressing his gratitude for the funding, Nkaelang Tanke, Safa JTG vice president, expanded on what the funding meant. Tanke said they were particularly excited about being able to train new referees.
“Refereeing is key to the development of the sport at grassroots level, and the funding will help us produce more young referees.
“We also want to see more football players from our region exhibit their skills in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and this contribution will assist in working towards that outcome.”
