By Mandla Nkosi:
The Free State leg of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Foundation Schools Championship took place on Saturday at the University of the Free State (UFS), where schools battled for top honours and a chance to qualify for the national finals.
Teams dribble to victory
The competition saw 19 schools taking part, with 12 primary schools contesting in the under-13 boys and girls categories, while six secondary schools competed in the under-19 division.
In the under-13 boys final, Brebner Primary from Bloemfontein edged Boikokobetso Primary from Kroonstad 1-0 in a tightly contested match. The under-13 girls’ final produced strong performances, with JB Tyu Primary from Rouxville defeating Bhekezela Primary 2-0 to claim the trophy.
The under-19 section was the highlight of the day, as St Anne’s High from Virginia stunned tournament favourites HTS Louis Botha Technical with a 2-1 victory in the final.
The hopes of the Province
All three winning teams walked away with R100 000 each, along with a trophy and gold medals. More importantly, they earned the right to represent the Free State province at the national finals of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Foundation Schools Championship, which will be held in Gauteng from 6 to 11 October 2025.
The national champions will walk away with an incredible R3 million in prize money, the biggest prize in South African school football.
Proud director lauds performers
Philemon Matlaletsa, the acting tournament director in the Free State, expressed pride in the level of competition. He said the provincial championship structure begins at the school level, progresses to cluster and district stages before teams qualify for the provincial and national rounds.
The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Foundation Schools Championship is not only about football glory, but also about creating opportunities for schools and learners. The prize money assists schools with development projects, infrastructure, and resources, ensuring that the impact goes beyond the football pitch.
With Brebner Primary, JB Tyu Primary, and St Anne’s High now carrying Free State hopes, all eyes will be on Gauteng in October as they chase national honours, life-changing prizes. – @NewsSA_Online.
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