Former Bafana Bafana striker Siyabonga Nomvethe is hosting the second instalment of his Siyabonga Nomvethe Schools Cup, a tournament aimed at nurturing young sporting talent in KwaZulu-Natal.

The PSL’s all-time leading goalscorer will oversee the event, which includes football for under 13 and 19 with netball under 13 age groups, at Hoy Park in Durban on Saturday, 12 October 2024. The tournament seeks to contribute to the social well-being of school-aged children and promote the development of high-quality athletes.

Nomvethe, who was born in KwaMashu, is hoping to unearth the next generation of sporting stars through this initiative. He himself gained legendary status after being spotted playing school football and subsequently representing top clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, and AmaZulu.

Likewise, Nomvethe who led former KZN side African Wanderers into promotion in 1996/97 season, gained legendary status via school participation at Mzuvele High Schol in KwaMashu.

“The tournament is about giving opportunities to kids to play sports,” Nomvethe told Sportswire. 

“I feel this tournament can open doors for them to show their skills and talents because I played football and was seen playing in schools. 

“I hope one day there will be another Siyabonga Nomvethe from this tournament. So, I’m expecting a lot from netball and football. 

“Additionally, I was one of those who was signed while playing school football from Thandukwazi and Mzuvele and I ended up playing for big teams like Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates and I went to Europe.”  

Nomvethe, who made another history when Bafana Bafana beat Slovenia to see South Africa register its first-ever FIFA World Cup win in 2002 and also featured in five AFCONs, urged teachers to encourage fair play and sportsmanship among the participating students. He emphasized that the tournament should be a fun experience for the young athletes.

“My message to the teachers, is we are here to play the tournament, and we are here to train them and do the right things. I don’t expect cheating and fights – this is for kids to enjoy, and have fun because sport is all about fun,” he said.

“I believe on Saturday we will see good sport and see the birth of a new Siyabonga Nomvethe.”      

With the support of the KZN Department of Education and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, the Siyabonga Nomvethe Schools Cup promises to be a memorable event for the participating schools and communities. The tournament is LIVE on SuperSport TV channel 216.