Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

South African giant bus company Putco is looking at the feasibility of assisting amateur football coaches in Soweto to become professionals in future.

This was said by the company's business development director, Andrew Sefala, who was speaking at a media conference held at Jabulani Mall in Soweto yesterday.

"We are considering developing coaches that are involved in our tournament for their hard work from next year,'' said Sefala.

The bus company is sponsor of the Putco Under-15 Soccer Challenge, which they bankrolled for R120000.

"We are excited that the tournament has grown tremendously and has become the most highly regarded knockout competition of its kind in Soweto," added Sefala.

Some of the products of this tournament are Thulani Serero and Thulani Hlatshwayo, who have been selected for the national Under-20 squad.

Phil Mogodi, Safa Soweto president, believes their marriage with Putco will go beyond 2010.

Peter Nthutsane, Safa Soweto secretary, said the tournament started in February and was played in a league format with 250 teams from 10 local football associations taking part.

Nthutsane said the two top teams from each association automatically qualified for the knockout stage. Dlamini All Blacks and Dlamini X1 Experience will face each other in a derby final on Saturday at the Safa Development Centre in Pimville at 2pm.

The winner will pocket R10 000, a trophy and gold medals.