Arrows on course to refurbish Bantuvukani Primary combi court

After enduring a number of years utilising a worn-out combi court, Bantuvukani Primary School in Lamontville will receive a silver lining when Golden Arrows takes the field against Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the MultiChoice Diski Shield at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday (13:00pm kick-off).

Unlike in the Diski Challenge where champions are rewarded with a 10-day tour to a European destination, the Diski Shield victors donate their winnings to a school courtesy of MultiChoice Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative.

Bantuvukani are Arrows chosen CSI initiative this season and will not pocket anything less than R75 000 (runners-up prize) after Abafana Bes'thende booked their spot in the final of the Diski Shield competition.

Principal Mbuso Sosibo has rallied behind Abafana Bes’thende’s junior team to go all out in the final and clinch the pole position, as that will ensure that they walk away with R150 000 (winner's prize).

"When we get the money, we want to renovate our combi court," Sosibo told MultiChoice. "It’s been years since it’s been vandalised. In actually sense, it needs a new make-over as there’s no lines, fence or nets over the poles. In the past, it had really helped our students that had interest in basketball, tennis and netball. It’s just unfortunate that it doesn’t have a soccer platform. But we are really behind Arrows to win this game, as that will help us a lot.”

Arrows and Bantuvukani's relation run deeper. It was the Bantuvukani's former principal Lawrence Mpanya that designed Arrows' first logo. The affiliation multiplied later as Abafana Bes'thende donated a Computer Centre to the school when they were still sponsored by mobile giants MTN in 2009.

Arrows also ensured that the school's sporting codes were nicely kitted for match-day as they made kit and equipment donations.

"We are struggling a lot because we are the only no fee school around. I'd say we are the poor of the poorest," Sosibo explained. "But we are grateful to Arrows for their regular contribution - they've been there. Even our uniform colours are similar to their team colours. So, we really want to thank the chairlady, Mato Madlala."

Following the recent floods that demolished thousands of homes in parts of KwaZulu Natal, the school's alumni and Arrows’ defender Siyabonga Dube recently made his heartfelt donations to the affected pupils by donating 25 pairs of shoes. The 43-year-old principal admits that they feel very privileged to be associated to a club like Arrows as they’ve also kept tabs on their senior and development programs, such as the Diski Challenge.

"We are really grateful for what Dube did," Sosibo stated. "We've also monitored the league of the MultiChoice Diski Challenge. It has done wonders, not only for Arrows but for South African football. Players like Percy Tau played there and they'll now represent us in the Africa Cup of Nations."