Christmas comes early for schools

THERE was jubilation all-round at the Silverstars Casino in Krugersdorp during the KDC Primary School Soccer League prize-giving ceremony at the weekend.

Christmas came early for pupils in Soweto when they learnt at the prize-giving that they would be financially rewarded for their efforts.

Three districts with 205 schools participated in the league that was established last year.

Winners Isulihle Primary School from Zola, Soweto, were rewarded handsomely with R100000. All 16 players, the team manager and the coach will each receive R1000. All 16 players will also receive full school uniforms for next year and a prize of their choice. The rest of the money will go to revamping sports facilities at the school.

Runners-up Sabepuso Primary won R50000. All 16 players will also get R1000 each. The team manager and the coach will get R1500 and the rest will go to revamping the school administration.

Zithathele Primary won R30000 for finishing third and their players will receive R1000. The team manager and coach will receive R1500. An intercom system will be installed at the school as part of the prize.

The fourth prize of R20000 went to Diodi, whose players will received R450, while the team manager and coach will get R600 apiece. The school also received a copier and printer worth R11000.

"It is the first time that soccer players benefit directly from winning and we are promoting accountability at school," said Linda Sibeko, sports director at KDC.