The lives of aspiring footballers were changed as the NJM Foundation hosted the Nzhelele Top 8 soccer challenge at Rabali Stadium in Thohoyandou.
The community of Nzhelele packed the stadium to cheer on their favourite teams. The gold trophy was given to the winning team as well as R15 000 prize money. Second place walked off with R7 500 and third and fourth place received R2 000. “We are passionate about community development, especially in sports and education,” said Nyambeni Jones Maphalaphathwa the chairman of the NJM Foundation. “This tournament is to provide a platform for budding talent, to groom and train them to be professionals. The turnout and discipline were incredible the players showed a high level of discipline and dedication.”

Black Leopards coach Maxwell Konadu, identified four promising players to take on and develop into professional footballers. “This is a very important initiative by the NJM Foundation. This allows the players to show their skills and prepare them for the real world of football,” Konadu said. “This is where it all begins, on the grassroots level. Great players were discovered this way. We urge communities to support their footballers, and continue such initiatives.”