Tough season for School of Excellence, but its graduates excel
Matters may not have gone as planned for The School of Excellence in the 2024 Gauteng Development League season. However, a number of the school’s graduates have gone on to make a name for themselves in the professional ranks.
Ahead of the last weekend of GDL action, the u13 team of the School of Excellence lies in 17th place on the table. Kaizer Chiefs, with 88 points, have already been confirmed as the champions, and have one more game to play against TS Galaxy on Sunday at the Randburg Sports Complex.
The u15 of School of Excellence team has fared far better and is in fourth place, with 60 points, but is a long way off the winners, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have already accrued 92 points ahead of their last game against Sevens Academy at Randburg on Sunday.
The School of Excellence u17 and u19 sides have delivered average results, with the u17s in 11th place and the u19s in ninth. Overall, the picture is one of the club enduring a challenging season, which, maybe, they will be relieved to conclude on Sunday before turning their sights to 2025.
However, the success of School of Excellence graduates suggests it continues to create opportunities for talented youngsters and serve as a valuable pathway to the professional ranks.
Several graduates from the School of Excellence – Emile Witbooi, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Siyabonga Mabena, and Relebohile Mofokeng – have experienced memorable years, making significant progress in their careers.
Emile Witbooi, who transitioned from the School of Excellence to Cape Town City FC earlier this year, received an invitation for a month-long trial with one of England’s top clubs, Chelsea, who as recently as 2020/21 won the Uefa Champions League. He is currently participating in an assessment at the Cobham Training Center, Chelsea’s training facility.
Witbooi has also represented South Africa at junior level in 2024, turning out for both the u17 and u20 national teams. He was a member of the squad that recently won the u20 Cosafa Championship in Mozambique after defeating Zambia 2-0 in the final. That victory sealed South Africa’s place in the 2025 Caf Africa Cup of Nations.
Fellow South African u20 player, Kutlwano Letlhaku, who played for The School of Excellence in the 2023 GDL season, has been delivering top performances for Mamelodi Sundowns, which included a man of the match-winning two goals in the Brazilians’ 2-0 win over Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, 6 October.
Siyabonga Mabena, who also plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and is another graduate from The School of Excellence, was featured in an article by The Guardian newspaper on 15 October, titled, “Next Generation 2024: 60 of the best young talents in world football.”
Being named alongside some more recognised names has exposed Mabena to a large worldwide audience.
Relebohile Mofokeng, known as “President Yama 2K” in South African football, has shown himself to be one of the brightest young talents in the Betway Premiership while turning out for Orlando Pirates.
In October, he helped the Sea Robbers capture the MTN 8 Cup for a third year in succession after a victory over Stellenbosch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in which he scored the third goal of the match in a 3-1 victory.
In June, he also made a significant impact, scoring in the Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns, which the Mighty Bucks won 2-1 to hoist the trophy for a second season in succession.
Graduates from the School of Excellence are making their way and making progress in the Betway Premiership, DStv Diski Challenge (Reserve League), and various other leagues. Their achievements serve as a testament to the dedication and effort invested by The School of Excellence coaches in their players and suggest that the GDL remains a hotbed for uncovering top talent.
