Ihlathi Secondary School in the suburb of Tshabalala has launched a sports academy.
The academy was launched at the school premises on Wednesday and guest of honour Railstars coach Mandla Mpofu, a former student, said discipline is the key to success in sport.
“This is history but it is not surprising because Ihlathi has always been a sporting school. It is up to you to grab this opportunity with both hands. You now have to balance the two, sports and books and you can excel in both. The only way to excel in sports is when you are disciplined, stay away from drugs and alcohol and at the end of the day you will be a big player,” Mpofu said.
Head soccer coach of the sports academy Thabani Ndlovu said the academy would start with soccer but in the long run they would be embarking on various sports disciplines.
To begin with, soccer has already benefited from a donation by an Australian national Thomas Brookn, who gave the academy seven balls, 77 cones and two whistles.
According to the academy director Charles Ndawana, Brookn has also pledged a cargo of equipment in sporting gear. Chicken Corner, a shop in the suburb has also pledged support for the academy.
