NQWEBA High School Grade 11 learner, Kwanele Jantjies (16), has been selected to represent his school and province during the National Soccer Championships which will be held later this month in Gauteng.
The rising star from Graaff-Reinet was selected during the provincial winter soccer championships which were held in East London in June.
“Zane”, as he is affectionately known to his teammates and fans, mesmerised selectors during the games with his dazzling skill and great sportsmanship.
According to his mentor and coach, Wandile Fukuzana, “The boy has got great potential and has the right attitude to achieve his goals, both academically and in his soccer career.”
The Department of Education is intensifying its drive of reviving schools’ sports, especially in previously disadvantaged communities where – due to a number of socio-political factors – school sports are deteriorating.
Among the challenges, according to Fukuzana, are “The lack of continuity where players are disqualified due to their age groups, which leads to some players not being allowed to perform in some competitions. This frustrates the players and results in loss of interest,” he said.
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel as some intervention programmes are currently being put in place to ensure that school sports in previously disadvantaged communities are revived. Stakeholders in the sporting fraternity are encouraged to be involved in their local school’s sports structures.