MEC Maphefo Matsemela congratulates Platinum Stars
The North West MEC for Education and Sport Development, Maphefo Matsemela, congratulated Platinum Stars Football Club for winning the Maize Triangle Challenge recently helad at Moruleng Stadium and wished them well in the 2015/2016 ABSA Premier League at a luncheon with team held on Friday, 31 July 2015 at the Royal Marang Hotel in Phokeng.
The MEC noted that sport is a unifying force and lauded the team saying, “You have given the people of Bokone Bophirima something to be proud of”. She added, “It is governments’ responsibility to ensure that there is an enabling environment to allow our sports stars to shine”.
Rural communities were encouraged by the MEC to participate in all sporting codes. She also acknowledged the role of soccer legends in football development.
Sol Plaatje Secondary School was congratulated by the MEC for winning the Copa Coca Cola Cup. Bokone Bophirima has sent 6 learners to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles USA. MEC Matsemela further urged the Platinum Stars Football Club to identify talent in schools so that some of the learners’ dreams can be realised.
Platinum Stars chairman, Cliff Ramoroa, said one challenge the team faced was that most stadiums in the rural areas did not comply with PSL standards thus making it difficult to play in these far to reach places. Moruleng Stadium and The Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex are the only facilities which currently comply.
Other dignitaries who attended included the Queen Mother of the Royal Bafokeng, Mme MotlotlegiSemane, kgosi’s from the Bojanala District, government representatives and soccer legends from the province.
The Queen Mother said the onus is on Platinum Stars to put the province on the world map. She recognised the partnership between the Department of Education and Sport Development as “a fresh start”.
Attendees at the event were encouraged to support local teams and support school sports. The public was also urged to take part in sports in order to maintain a healthy body and mind.
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