Chiefs & Nedbank Hand Over World-Class Sports Court To Kwa-Thema School
Officials during the opening of the multipurpose sports court at Phulong Secondary School
Kwa-Thema, Springs – The spirit of the Nedbank Cup went beyond the pitch this week as Kaizer Chiefs, together with Nedbank and The Sports Trust, officially handed over a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports court to Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs.
The new facility, unveiled on Wednesday, marks the 10th court delivered through the Nedbank Cup community upliftment programme – a partnership that continues to change lives across South Africa by investing in grassroots sport and youth development.
As part of their prize for winning the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup, Amakhosi nominated Phulong Secondary as the deserving beneficiary of the project. For the school’s 1 503 learners, as well as the wider Kwa-Thema community, the impact is expected to be transformative.
Phulong Secondary principal, Mr Jabulani Nyoni, could not hide his gratitude.
“We are extremely grateful to be entrusted with this multipurpose sports court. This contribution is incredibly important for the future of our learners, and it will never be forgotten. We sincerely thank Nedbank, Kaizer Chiefs, and The Sports Trust for investing in our children’s future. This initiative will inspire and empower our learners to pursue their dreams, both academically and in sport.”
The cutting-edge court is designed to host five different sporting codes – soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball and tennis – making it the first of its kind in Kwa-Thema under the Nedbank and Sports Trust banner.
Nedbank Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Khensani Nobanda, described the handover as a reflection of the tournament’s ethos:
“This court embodies the spirit of the Nedbank Cup – Ke Yona Ya Rona, the one that belongs to us all. Social cohesion through sport plays a vital role in nation-building, and Nedbank remains committed to ensuring that sports fans and communities benefit directly from our sponsorship.”
Kaizer Chiefs’ Commercial and Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung, highlighted the long-term value of the facility.
“A facility of this magnitude, with a 20-year lifespan and eco-friendly design, will unlock the potential of young people by providing a safe, inclusive space for growth. As Nedbank Cup champions, we are proud to stand alongside our partners to create a lasting impact for this community.”
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, was also in attendance and praised the initiative’s broader contribution.
“Investments like these go beyond sport. They strengthen communities, shape character, and create opportunities for our youth. This court stands as a testament to grassroots development and will nurture the next generation of sporting talent, while promoting wellness and unity.”
The handover was complemented by further contributions. Nedbank donated soccer kits to five schools in the area – Phulong Secondary, Nkumbulo Secondary, Labani Motlhabi Secondary, Themba Lizakulu Primary, and Masimini Primary. Meanwhile, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture handed over kits to five local clubs, including Ace Auto Ayoba FC, Home Sweepers FC, Real Barcelona FC, Youth Achievers FC and Kwa-Thema Disability FC.
For Mervin Green, Nominated Trustee of The Sports Trust, this project adds to a growing legacy.
“For over 10 years, our partnership with Nedbank has enabled us to build world-class courts in communities that need them most. These facilities become more than just sports grounds; they are spaces of empowerment, talent development, and unity.”
Through its Sports Affinity programme, Nedbank has already raised more than R46 million over the past three decades to fund similar initiatives. Each new court, such as the one now standing proudly in Kwa-Thema, reaffirms the promise of nurturing tomorrow’s champions and uniting communities through the power of sport.
