Northern Academy triumphs in national football championship
07 October 2024Northern Academy has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in South African school football, culminating in an incredible victory at the 2024 Kay Motsepe Schools Championship. The under-19 boys’ team clinched the national title with a 2-1 victory in the final, marking a significant milestone for the school and earning them a R3 million cash prize. Over 13,000 teams from 5,000 schools across the country, including both public and independent schools, participated in this prestigious tournament.
The team’s remarkable achievement was celebrated during a special assembly on 7 October 2024, with the Limpopo MEC of Sport, Art, and Culture, Funani Maseko, in attendance. The under-13 boys’ team also made their mark, securing a bronze medal, further cementing Northern Academy’s reputation as one of the top football schools in the country.
Talented and hard-working
The success of Northern Academy’s teams is the result of countless hours of training and preparation, led by their coach, Hendrick Mukwevho, who was named Coach of the Tournament. Several players received individual accolades, with Thato Mpati claiming the Golden Boot, Bokang Thaba earning Player of the Tournament, and team captain Thabo Malatsi recognised for his exceptional goalkeeping and leadership.
Cobus Loubser, Curro’s CEO, expressed immense pride in the team’s success, stating, ‘These champions exemplify the spirit of dedication and excellence at Northern Academy. This achievement is one of the greatest feats in Curro’s 25-year history. We thank the players, coach, and parents for their incredible support – they are an inspiration to all our learners.’
Mentorship and development through PMSS
The event was also attended by South Africa’s most successful football coach, Pitso Mosimane, who has played a pivotal role in youth football development through the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools Programme (PMSS). Northern Academy was one of the pilot schools for this initiative, which focuses on life skills and football training from a young age. Launched in 2023, the programme has since expanded to reach thousands of learners across Curro schools. Reflecting on his involvement, Pitso said, ‘We need to start football training at an early age. Schools provide the best platform for mass participation, which is why we partnered with Curro.’
Building a legacy in football
Fergus Sampson, Executive: Meridian and Academy Schools, praised the school’s commitment to becoming the number one soccer school in South Africa. ‘Our coaches have been working tirelessly towards this goal. The team’s preparation, including pre-season training in Gauteng, was an investment of time and energy that has paid off.’
Impact on the school and community
The victory has had a significant impact on the school’s community. Adrian Misi, Northern Academy’s marketer, reflected on the achievement, noting, ‘This win has elevated school pride, strengthened our reputation, and fostered a deeper connection between learners, parents, and the wider community. It has also sparked increased interest in our sports and extramural programmes.’
