Curro The Blyde hoist FAPPS Challenge Cup title
On Tuesday, Curro The Blyde Primary School was crowned the champion of the Football Association Pretoria Primary Schools (FAPPS) Challenge Cup following a 2-1 victory against Bronkhorstspruit Primary at Crawford International School in Pretoria.
In an exhilarating u11 football match on Tuesday afternoon, Curro The Blyde Primary School mounted a comeback to secure a 2–1 victory against Bronkhorstspruit Primary School.
The game, held at Crawford International School and commencing at 14:00, was overseen by the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) coaching team, with coach Qiniso Thembani Mohlakwana from the PMSS coaching staff playing a crucial role.
Coach Maisha Raphela, who originally led the team to the finals, was unable to attend the final match – however, the team was in capable hands with coach Mohlakwana stepping in to guide them to the gold championship. Curro The Blyde is one of the schools participating in the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools programme.
Bronkhorstspruit Primary took the lead early in the match, putting Curro The Blyde under pressure. Curro responded with assurance and resolve. Lukhotho Zwelinjani from Curro The Blyde equalised with a composed finish, leveling the score at 1–1.
Capitalising on this momentum, Kitso Molusi scored the decisive goal for Curro The Blyde, shifting the momentum and establishing the lead. The team then maintained their position with disciplined defending, preventing Bronkhorstspruit from scoring a second goal.
Both teams delivered an energetic performance, however, it was Curro The Blyde’s determination and collaboration that proved decisive. This victory reflects the team’s development under the guidance of the PMSS coaches and indicates a promising future for the young squad.
After the win, coach Mohlakwana spoke to SuperSport Schools Plus regarding his position at PMSS and expressed gratitude to Curro The Blyde for their faith in PMSS initiatives following the victory.
“I’m a coach dealing with Physical Education and extracurricular activities at PMSS,” he said.
Mohlakwana stated that coaching is a challenging profession and not suited for everyone. This implies that one can gain insights from various individuals, including coaches, or attempt to emulate the actions of their role models. However, without a genuine passion and affection for the role, it becomes difficult to endure, particularly when coaching at the youth development stage.
“I have gained a lot of experience in a short space of time dealing with kids at PMSS who are five to 13 years and it’s not easy but in order for the kids to develop properly ,you need to give it all,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
Coach Mohlakwana praised FAPPS for its contribution to youth football, noting that it has provided numerous children with the chance to engage in sports (soccer). They acquire skills to perform under pressure and understand the significance of striving for something that ultimately brings them joy.
“These kids are at the age where they are still developing even their life skills. They can socialise with others, start making friends, and understand teamwork. These are the most important things I’m always looking for from these kids, and today they have shown me growth,” he said with excitement.
After the victory, coach Mohlakwana shared that the young children were shedding tears of joy following the game. He also mentioned that this is their first trophy for the u11 Boys.
“When it comes to me and emotions, I put them aside and make sure these kids don’t see how I feel because I’m always there to make them happy and protect them in many ways.”
In conclusion, he praised the PMSS for their commendable efforts, as all of this is occurring due to their belief in youth development and in young coaches, for which he mentioned that they express their gratitude to PMSS.
Wandile Magebula, the Sports Coordinator at Curro The Blyde, expressed special gratitude towards Monique Daneel, the Executive Head of Curro The Blyde, for her role in facilitating the initiative to join the FAPPS League, which aims to foster the talents of young learners.
