- Dinoko FC boys show their class at Polokwane youth tournament - September 19, 2025
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By Karabo Makao
Young footballers from Dinoko FC in Mohlaletse, Ga-Sekhukhune have been making waves in local tournaments, showing that our youth have what it takes to compete at higher levels. The club recently took their under-13, under-15, and under-17 teams to participate in a tournament in Polokwane, and the experience was more than just about winning matches.
Coach Phillip Oskido Tebeila knows that these tournaments are not just about the game itself. They are about giving young players the chance to be seen, to be motivated, and to understand what it means to play under pressure. When scouts come to watch these matches, it opens doors for talented youngsters who might never have had such opportunities otherwise. The exposure these children get is invaluable for their development, both as players and as young people.
The under-13 team did particularly well, showing great determination throughout the tournament that featured nine teams. They started strongly in the group stage, beating Black Leopards 3-0 in their opening match. The boys continued their good form with a solid 2-0 victory over Polokwane Youth Academy before drawing 0-0 against Prado 1. These results were enough to secure their place in the semifinals, where they faced Europa Academy. Despite their best efforts, they lost a tight match 1-0, but the team showed character by bouncing back to beat Prado 2 by 1-0 in the third-place playoff. Although they finished in third place overall, the experience they gained was worth more than any trophy.
The under-15 boys also had reason to celebrate after winning their match 2-0, while the under-17 team, despite losing 4-1, learned important lessons about resilience and teamwork. Each age group faced different challenges, but all the players gained valuable experience competing against teams from across the region.
This is not something new for Dinoko FC. Last year, they participated in a similar tournament in Mokopane, continuing their commitment to giving young players regular competitive experience. These tournaments have become an important part of the club’s strategy to develop talent and keep children engaged in positive activities.
What makes this work so important is that it goes beyond just football. In many communities, young people face challenges with drugs and alcohol, and sport provides a healthy alternative. When children are busy training, playing matches, and working towards goals, they are less likely to get involved in activities that could harm their future. Football becomes a tool for building discipline, teaching respect, and creating structure in young lives.
The coach emphasizes that youth participation in football is about more than developing skills with the ball. It is about creating opportunities, building character, and showing young people that they have value and potential. When a child puts on their team jersey and runs onto the field, they are not just playing a game – they are learning life lessons that will serve them well beyond their sporting careers.
These tournaments also bring communities together with supporters travelling to watch their young players compete, creating a sense of pride and unity. The children represent not just their club, but their entire community, and this responsibility helps them understand the importance of commitment and hard work.
The success of programs like those run by Dinoko FC shows what is possible when communities invest in their youth. By providing regular training, entering tournaments, and creating opportunities for exposure, clubs like this are changing lives and building a stronger future for South African football. The young players who benefit from these programs today could become the professional players and community leaders of tomorrow.
Football has always been more than just a sport in South Africa. It brings people together, creates hope, and provides a pathway for young people to achieve their dreams. When clubs like Dinoko FC continue to invest in youth development and tournament participation, they are investing in the future of our communities and our country.
