The young girls who arrived in smiles at the Chiefs Village were quickly ushered to the playing grounds by Brand Manager, Dara Carroll who had welcomed them. They had an opportunity to watch the team being taken through their paces by Head Coach, Vladimir Vermezovic and the rest of the Technical Team.

Funa Maduka, Dean of Students at Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls spoke to kaizerchiefs.com about the trip.

“This means a lot to the kids, some of them who are terminally ill, just for them to be around Kaizer Chiefs players is great. Some of them, despite their condition have bigger dreams to wear the gold and black jersey. We are very happy to be part of this project together with Kaizer Chiefs and Reach for a Dream. It is central to our mission that the girls be made aware about the meaning of giving back to the community,” she said.

“A leader is defined by the service they provide their nation,” she added.

Players like Mandla Masango, Jose Torrealba, Dominic Isaacs, Jimmy Jambo, Kabelo Metsimetsi, Tlou Molekwane and Knowledge Musona traded their boots for whistles as they refereed a couple of games for the kids who had an opportunity to pit their skills against each other at the Naturena training grounds.

Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung was also there to speak to the young girls, “Thank you very much for coming to the Chiefs Village. We are excited to see you here…I had an opportunity to attend the sod turning of the school before it was built and to see you here today is something very special,” said the delighted Jessica.

“This is also an opportunity for brands, Kaizer Chiefs and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy to interact. We are also grateful for the opportunity to continue our relationship with “Reach for a Dream” but this is about you girls. I am hoping that being here inspires you. I recently had an opportunity to attend a Leaders in Football Conference in UK and Sepp Blatter has stated that the future of football lie in our hands as women. I have no doubt that we will see one of you leading our football to greater heights in future,” she concluded.