In an extraordinary display of talent, determination, and teamwork, the Young Bafana Soccer Academy recently clinched victory in the prestigious ABC Motsepe League of the Western Cape.
This followed an intense season where they topped the charts in the ‘B‘ pool and beat winners of the ‘A‘ pool, Zizwe United, on penalties.
This triumph granted them the honour of representing the Western Cape at the National playoffs in Pietermaritzburg, where they were unfortunate to lose to Upington City (NC) and Amavarara (EC) in two exciting contests.
Long Time Sponsors
“We are incredibly proud of the entire Young Bafana community for their commitment and drive this year. Clinching the ABC Motsepe League title and making it through to the National playoffs is no small feat,” said Erwin Minnie, Managing Director at Hansgrohe.
Hansgrohe and Young Bafana have a great relationship that goes back 9 years, with Hansgrohe being the main kit sponsor for the junior team since 2014.
“We have supported Young Bafana for a long time, and we are thrilled to see the efforts of Bernd and his staff and players bearing fruit,” said Erwin Minnie.
What a Debut Season!
The ABC Motsepe League of the Western Cape is widely recognised as one of the most competitive and challenging football leagues in South Africa. Comprising talented teams from across the province, the league serves as a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills and attract the attention of professional clubs.
The honour of winning the ABC League is made all the more special considering the fact that this is Young Bafana’s inaugural season in the national third league. The team faced other challenges, such as departing coaches and staff, but never once waivered from their goal.
“We owe our success to the determination of the players, and the immense shoulders of the coaching staff, who expertly guided the team,” says Bernd Steinhage, Founder and Director of Young Bafana.
Aiming High
Located in the Western Cape, Young Bafana has been nurturing young footballers since its establishment. The academy’s primary goal is to provide underprivileged children with access to quality football training, education, and personal development opportunities. By instilling discipline, passion, and skill, Young Bafana aims to create a pathway for talented individuals to pursue professional careers in football.
The success of Young Bafana goes beyond the football field. It serves as an inspiration to the local community and a testament to the power of determination and opportunity. By providing access to quality football coaching, education, and personal development, the academy empowers young individuals to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
The academy’s achievements also contribute to the growth and recognition of the Western Cape as a hub for emerging football talent. It reinforces the region’s commitment to fostering the development of young athletes and showcases the potential for even greater success in the future.
Looking ahead
“We have lots of plans for the future,” says Bernd. “We are looking at building a digital classroom, we want to make our girls team a fully funded effort, we are looking at more transport so that we can take kids from further away, and we have even looked at an astroturf so that we can field more teams. We are always looking for sponsors, donors, and funding. We want to be able to empower as many children as we can,” says Bernd.
If you would like to find out more about the Young Bafana Academy, or if you would like to learn how you can donate, you can visit their website here.
