Werder Bremen sponsors Thokoza schools
Werder Bremen has been sponsoring kits all over Gauteng and the rest of Africa as a social investment and giving children the opportunity to play in a kit and be proud to be soccer players.
THOKOZA – Bremen East Rand Tournament came out when Buhle Buzile secondary school was sponsored earlier this year, and an idea spiked as the passionate sports coordinator of Buhle Buzile Tutu Shabangu together with Paballo Diaho, organiser of the trips for kit sponsors.
With East Rand highs schools receiving very little if anything from government, the organisers thought it would be a great idea to launch a tournament where all teams could play for a kit, track pants balls and win the floating trophy. All other schools that took part got a ball long pants and shirt with they can use to warm up.
So the tournament was hosted by taking the four best schools in the area. Games where very interesting, and all resulted in penalties as the teams gave it their all. Kai Voellmecke, the German Werder Bremen sponsor, has agreed to have an annual tournament where he will sponsor new kits and more things as time goes on. He is also expected to visit sometime in March for the floating trophy award.
Event organisers, Tutu Shabangu and Paballo Diaho told the RECORD that the Minister of sport and recreation Mr Fikile Mbalula encouraged schools to promote massive participation in sport, thereby giving our learners opportunities beyond limit. “People like Mr Voellmecke made it possible for us to achieve our primary objectives; we therefore appreciate all he has done for our cluster,” they concluded. “We hope to strengthen our relationship in the coming year.”
*Photographs by Kananelo Pooe
