Zenzeleni Primary School girls and Dr Knak Primary boys have been crowned as the new 2023 princesses and princess of Alexandra after winning the Alex Primary School Soccer League Championship.
Discovery held the Alex Primary School Soccer League Championship tournament at the Altrec Sports Centre in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon.
It was fun and ecstasy on a sunny day as pupils and parents gathered to rally behind their boys and girls who were taking part in the semi-finals and final matches of the highly contested annual tournament.
Zenzeleni beat Ithute 3-1 in the first goal fest final, while Dr Knak held their own and narrowed past Iphutheng Primary.
Former Leeds United and Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe graced the occasion with his presence.
Word of encouragement
Radebe, who is also a Discovery Vitality ambassador, gave out a word of encouragement to all participants.
“For me, the message was simple to these kids, and it was to say keep on pushing and listening to your elders,” Radebe told Sunday World.
“And since I was a defender during my playing days, I also told the players, especially the girls because they listen, to be organised at the back and position themselves right in defence.
“So, I came here because of my passion about grassroot-level football because that’s what has been lacking in South African football, especially at the schools.
“With Discovery behind this initiative, I think it will be very important tracking these youngsters to see how they are doing.”
Deon Curtis, Discovery senior manager for sponsorship and experiential marketing, spoke about the importance of having someone of Radebe’s caliber involved in soccer schools’ programme.
“It’s always important for children to be able to see what is possible, and sports is a language that transcend language barriers – a language that speaks to the youth,” he said.
“Having Lucas here and who has achieved success at the highest level is aspirational for the kids to be able to see what is possible through sports.”
