The Investec Soccer League heats up as Thulani Secondary School and Forte High School battle it out on the field

Now in its tenth year, the Soweto-based football competition known as the Investec Soccer League (ISL) is well underway, having kicked off on 9 May with 20 schools competing. After 7 matches, Group A log leaders are Sebetsa Secondary School with 18 points and Group B leaders are Dr Beyers Naude with 21 points. The most goals scored thus far in Group A is Thulani Secondary School (20 goals) and in Group B Lamula Secondary School are on 21 goals.

Having been piloted in 2008 as the brainchild of Investec Corporate Social Investment, the ISL is fully endorsed by the Gauteng Department of Education and benefits 360 learners under the age of 21, in grades 8 to 12. Now in its 10th year, the total prize money has been increased to half a million rand, with first prize a generous R250 000.

“The 10 years of the Investec Soccer League have produced hundreds of well-rounded individuals who understand leadership, accountability and the spirit of fair play,” said Setlogane Manchidi, Head of CSI for Investec. “We’re celebrating ten years of community and individual development through sport participation in schools. “The league manages to strike a balance between participation in highly competitive sport, and developing physical abilities and cognitive aptitude” he further adds.

Wednesday 1 August saw 10 matches take place with perhaps the most notable one being multiple champions Thulani Secondary School thrashing Forte High School 4-0 at home. Surprising the boys just before kickoff was Bafana Bafana and Bidvest Wits FC Captain, Thulani Hlatshwayo – a regular visitor to the ISL;

“I’ve personally watched this league in 2015 as well as 2017 and being here today was welcoming for me: to see Investec invest into the much needed youth. As a player having been through similar ranks I can tell you how their interest is appreciated and needed in order for the sport to grow and youth to thrive.”

Participating schools are also feeder schools in Investec Corporate Social Investment’s flagship Promaths programme, which provides additional tuition in Maths and Science for pupils in Grades 10 to 12. The final will take place on September 15th.

Remaining fixtures: