The Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) has raised -concerns about the constant -racism-related reports around Curro Holdings, admitting that the ongoing negative publicity may have an impact on the brand of the internationally acclaimed former Bafana Bafana coach if it persists.
This was raised by PMSS co-founder and MT Sports mana-ging director Moira Tlhagale, who is in charge of running this ground-breaking schools’ project.
Recently, Curro, the private school consortium, has been marred by a number of racial incidents that have embarrassed the institution. Last Monday, Curro circulated an apology after their social media post depicted a stereotype of a black female learner portrayed as a cashier in a shop during a career guidance class.
Some of their teachers were reported to have used the word “monkey” in reference to black pupils.
Tayabah Jadwat, an Indian teacher who allegedly called three black pupils monkeys, was recently suspended and forced to resign, despite the school’s management allegedly trying to sweep the matter under the rug.
Three weeks ago, Sunday World exclusively revealed that Curro Academy Protea Glen, Soweto, had fired Nonkululeko Gwatyu, the black English and history teacher who was called a monkey by former executive head Shanette Tiquin last year.
With football being the most popular sport in the world, it has seen its reputation tainted by racism, with Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior being a typi-cal example of football players who have been racially abused by crowds in Europe.
Speaking to Sunday World recently, Tlhagale said that despite PMSS not experiencing any form of racism since joining hands with Curro in 2022, they will be engaging with the school regarding the reports.
“No, it has not affected us, and we have not experienced any form of racism at Curro. We are going to be engaging with Curro on those allegations and reports.
“Curro has four different levels of schools – Curro Select, Independent, Academy and Meridian.
“The Academy and Meridian, you will find them in townships. So, we [PMSS] have gone for those particular two levels because we believe that those are the levels where you find a lot of African children,” she said.
Curro responded through Fergus Sampson, Business Executive: Academy Schools: “Curro Holdings confirms it has a strong and fruitful relationship with Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools.
“The allegation that concerns have been raised by any spokesperson related to Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools with Curro regarding racism are untrue and accordingly Curro reserves its right to recourse should any misrepresentation be published.”
