Over 3,000 young athletes shine in this year’s grand finals
CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – The Royal Bafokeng Sports Metshameko Programme proudly celebrated its ninth annual league finals this October, marking nearly a decade of empowering young athletes across the Royal Bafokeng Nation. What began as a local sports initiative has grown into a movement that now reaches thousands of learners every year.
More than 3,000 children from 66 schools took part in the 2025 finals, supported by an impressive network of over 390 teacher-coaches. The programme offers far more than match days — it includes weekly leagues, sports clinics, coaching development and talent identification supported by Royal Bafokeng Sports (RBS), Impala Rustenburg and Royal Bafokeng Holdings (RBH).
Emile Smith, acting managing director of RBS, said the heart of the programme goes beyond the scoreboard. “Metshameko is about so much more than sport. It builds confidence, empathy and vital life skills.”
This year’s finals also produced 81 standout athletes, with 38 football players selected for the Platinum Stars Football Academy and 43 netball players chosen for the Royal Bafokeng Netball teams.
Impala Rustenburg CEO Moses Motlhageng praised the partnership’s impact: “Our involvement helps nurture future leaders and aligns with our goal of building a better future for Rustenburg. Each year we see remarkable growth — both in participation and in the calibre of talent emerging from the programme.”
2025 Winning Schools
- U/13 Football: Mfidikwe Primary School
- U/13 Netball: Lebone II College
- U/17 Football: Grenville High School
- U/17 Netball: Grenville High School
