This follows the never-ending dispute between South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) and mother body SAFA for almost six years now.
At loggerheads is the independence SASFA wants- as a recognized body that controls and regulates school’s sport competitions- whereas SAFA that oversees football issues in the country are having none of it.
Safa in March 2015 dissolved the schools body as an associate member.
The mother body stated then its unhappiness at how few schools play football and resolved to bring the running of soccer at that level under their own auspices.
That resolution was overturned in arbitration‚ which Safa took on appeal to the High Court and won on August 7.
The then minister of Sport Thulas Nxesi once commented: “I think that it is important that the two (Safa and Sasfa) find one another – it can’t be about personalities at the expense of the development of a nation.”
But according to SASFA boss Mandla “Shoes Mazibuko has cited Safa’s financial woes as the main reason behind the protracted wrangle between the two bodies.
He was quoted:” Safa wants to take ownership of schools football because they want to boost their finances.
We know that Safa wanted money from Sasfa. It’s not a secret that the association (Safa) doesn’t have enough money and sponsors. Sponsors are pulling out because of the way they run football,” he said tellingly at the Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 national finals in Durban
Because of this deadlock SASFA has called for Government mediation.
Mazibuko said they’d be open to work hand-in-hand with Safa should the consensus be reached.
“It’s not everyone who can run schools football. Maybe it’s just pride that we must put aside and work together.”
This on-going fight for recognition, pride has and will continue to dearly affect innocent souls, stru!
Meanwhile, the COPA Coca-Cola® National Finals kicks-off from Thursday, 19 September until Saturday, 21 in Durban.
Asanda Vumazonke Coca-Cola® SA Brand Manager expressed his delight about the tournament. “This tournament transcends beyond the field of play. By partnering with SASFA to help develop school’s football, we pride ourselves in the holistic approach taken to empower the aspiring footballers. Recent graduates such as Khulekani Kubheka who have become role models to teen audiences attest to the kind of players COPA Coca-Cola® produces.”
“We congratulate all teams that have made it to this final stage of the competition and wish them the best of luck, in the spirit of fair-play and dynamic sportsmanship,” said Vumazonke.
His sentiments were echoed by Mazibuko who further went on to thank Coca-Cola® for tirelessly playing a crucial role in the unearthing of talent. “We look forward to more goals and seeing the youngsters showcase even more passion for the beautiful game. We trust that the boys will bring all their energy and excitement to play their hearts out on the field. It is a great opportunity for them to be recognised and spotted for their future careers”.
Former PSL players Khulekani Kubheka, Simba Marumo, Lucky Lekgwathi and Jabulani Mendu, will grace the finals.
Image (Khulekani Kubheka, Simba Marumo, SASFA Pres Shoes Mazibuko and Jabulani Mendu at the launch in Durban).
