Posted in Features, News on Sep 04, 2025.
Kaizer Chiefs, in partnership with Nedbank, The Sports Trust, the Premier Soccer League, and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, celebrated the official handover of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports court at Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs, on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. The handover follows Amakhosi’s triumphant 2025 Nedbank Cup campaign, which earned the Club the opportunity to select a school to benefit from this legacy initiative.
Phulong Secondary School was nominated not only for its commitment to learner development through sport but also because it shares its fields with Springs Home Sweepers, a local women’s football team that is partnered with Kaizer Chiefs in advancing women’s football.
Representing the Club at the handover were Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr., Marketing and Commercial Director Jessica Motaung, as well as a group of first-team players including Lebo Maboe, Wandile Duba, Given Msimango, Rushwin Dortley, and Aden McCarthy.
Motaung Jr. highlighted the significance of using the Club’s on-field success to positively influence communities off the field. “As Kaizer Chiefs, we are committed to building more than just a football legacy, we’re here to build futures,” he said, “Winning the Nedbank Cup gave us an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way, and we’re proud to see this beautiful facility now serving the youth of Kwa-Thema.”
Jessica Motaung echoed his sentiments, speaking directly to the learners and community members in attendance. “Football is not just about silverware. It’s about creating opportunities, empowering dreams, and leaving behind a legacy that lives far beyond 90 minutes on the pitch,” she told them, adding, “We urge the school and the community to take pride in this facility and use it as a foundation for future greatness.”
The event was attended by key government stakeholders, such as Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, and Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Matome Chiloane.
Dr Mhaule praised Kaizer Chiefs and its partners for investing in education through sport.“Investing in schools is investing in the future of our country,” she said. “This facility belongs to you, the learners, parents, and the wider community. Use it with pride and take care of it.”
MEC Chiloane highlighted the importance of partnerships between clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and government in driving access to sport for all learners. “When education and sport come together, we see transformation,” he said. “We thank everyone involved in the project for their commitment to the youth and to sport development in our province.”
Deputy Minister Maredi added that such facilities are essential for nurturing young talent and providing safe, structured spaces for growth. “This is how we build future champions, by making sure our children have access to world-class facilities close to home,” she said.
The new facility will benefit both the learners of Phulong Secondary School and Springs Home Sweepers FC, a local women’s football team closely affiliated with Kaizer Chiefs through the Club’s ongoing women’s football project. The handover marks another step in Amakhosi’s long-standing commitment to community upliftment, youth development, and creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes.
