The vibrant community of Kwa-Thema in Springs, situated on the East Rand, was today handed a remarkable gift that promises to uplift both sports and spirits: a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports facility. This initiative was unveiled by the renowned Betway Premiership club Kaizer Chiefs in collaboration with Nedbank at Phulong Secondary School, marking a significant enhancement to the local landscape.
As the reigning champions of the 2025 Nedbank Cup, Kaizer Chiefs took great pride in being part of this momentous occasion. Jessica Motaung, Chief Marketing and Commercial Director of the club, articulated the reasoning behind their choice of location. “We are very deliberate in our choice. The facility is not only helping the school or the community, but also to give facilities to women’s football and that’s we made sure that Home Sweepers train in a suitable field,” she noted. This strategic decision is amplified through the partnership with the Springs Home Sweepers Football Club, a women’s team that will utilise the new facility for training and development.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Joseph Mkhonza, owner of Home Sweepers and former Banyana Banyana coach, expressed his gratitude. “We appreciate everything Chiefs has done for this community. Chiefs had six former players from this community. This community deserves better than what they’ve been getting,” he stated, underscoring the significance of local investment in sporting infrastructure.
The implementation of this facility did not go unnoticed at a governmental level. Peace Mabe, the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, commended the efforts of both Kaizer Chiefs and Nedbank. “Partnership should be fostered with the private sector and this is stepping towards the right direction. We appreciate Chiefs and Nedbank for this initiative,” she remarked, reinforcing the value of collaboration between public and private entities for community development.
The exhilaration within the community was palpable, as expressed by Lindokuhle Gumbi, a student at Phulong Secondary School. “As a school, we feel grateful because we don’t receive sponsors, because of the area we are in and hopefully, this will inspire dreams for many people,” she reflected, showcasing the hope and ambition that this facility can inspire among the youth.
In addition to unveiling the facility, Kaizer Chiefs also presented sports attire and a framed shirt to the school, further solidifying their commitment to supporting the local community.