Chiefs and Nedbank hand over sports court to Phulong Secondary School

A state-of-the-art multipurpose sports court was officially handed over to Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs on Wednesday.

This initiative was made possible through collaboration with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Nedbank Cup reigning champions, Kaizer Chiefs.

This milestone marks the 10th facility delivered to a community through the Nedbank Cup community upliftment programme, underscoring a shared commitment to youth development and social impact through sport.

As part of the 2024/2025 Nedbank Cup season prize, Kaizer Chiefs nominated Phulong Secondary School in the Ekurhuleni region to receive this tangible benefit, recognising the team's dedication throughout the tournament.

Thrilled to receive the new facility, Phulong Secondary School principal, Mr Jabulani Nyoni said: "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 court, designed to accommodate five sporting codes – soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball and tennis – is the first of its kind in Kwa-Thema built by Nedbank and The Sports Trust. It will benefit the school's 1 503 learners as well as other schools in the broader Kwa-Thema community.

Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank group executive for marketing and corporate affairs, highlighted the significance of the initiative: "This court embodies the spirit of the Nedbank Cup – Ke Yona Ya Rona, the one that belongs to us all. Our continued investment in communities to unearth the next generation of athletes, aligned with our goal to ensure that sports fans tangibly benefit from supporting their favourite teams, is central to our sports sponsorship ethos.

"Social cohesion through sport plays a vital role in nation-building and fostering a sense of belonging in the communities we serve. Nedbank remains committed to driving synergy between sport, community upliftment, and empowering partnerships in our societal building journey."

Jessica Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs commercial and marketing director, added: "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 hand over a court that will create a lasting impact for the entire community."

Deputy minister of sport, arts and culture, Peace Mabe, commended the initiative: "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 play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of sporting talent, while promoting wellness and unity."

In addition to the court handover, Nedbank donated soccer kits to five schools: Phulong Secondary, Nkumbulo Secondary, Labani Motlhabi Secondary, Themba Lizakulu Primary and Masimini Primary.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture also handed over kits to five local football clubs: Ace Auto Ayoba FC, Home Sweepers FC, Real Barcelona FC, Youth Achievers FC and Kwa-Thema Disability FC.

This initiative forms part of Nedbank's broader commitment to community development through its Sports Affinity programme, which has raised over R46 million over the past 30 years to fund sports infrastructure and initiatives.

Mervin Green, nominated trustee of The Sports Trust, remarked: "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. We are proud to work alongside clubs like Kaizer Chiefs that choose to invest in its communities."