SAFA Transnet Football School of Excellence Faces Closure Amid Financial Woes

The SAFA Transnet Football School of Excellence in South Africa, known for producing top professional football players, is on the brink of closure due to mounting financial difficulties and employee concerns. The school, which has been in operation for over three decades, is confronting a series of issues that have left its future uncertain.

Employees at the academy, including teachers and coaches, are demanding answers about their job security and the school's financial situation. They have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the school's annual budget of 23 million rand and where the funds are being allocated. The staff members are also uncertain about whether they will receive their salaries at the end of the month, adding to their growing concerns.

The school's electricity has been disconnected due to an unpaid bill of 1.3 million rand, further exacerbating the crisis. Given Silango, a coach at the academy, has spoken out about the dire situation, revealing that Transnet, the organization partnering with the school, is not adequately taking care of the academy and is planning to withdraw from the partnership.

Why this matters: The potential closure of the SAFA Transnet Football School of Excellence would be a significant blow to South African football, as the academy has been instrumental in developing young talent and producing top players for the country's professional leagues. The school's uncertain future raises concerns about the state of youth football development in South Africa and the need for sustainable funding and support for such institutions.

The school, which once had a 100% matric pass rate, is struggling to maintain its educational standards and football-oriented programs amidst the ongoing uncertainty. The annual intake of 120 students has dwindled, and the school is currently understaffed. The employees are planning to take the matter to the labor court if their concerns are not addressed promptly.

The Transnet Freight Rail School of Excellence has been solely funded by Transnet for over 30 years, with the company investing over R200 million since 1995. However, Transnet's own financial challenges, including corruption-related cases, have led to a decline in funding for the school. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) was supposed to take over the school's operations from April 2024, but the process is taking longer than expected.

The school has produced several top players in the DStv Premiership, including Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng and Mamelodi Sundowns' Siyabonga Mabhena. The staff members staged a walk-in at Transnet's offices, seeking answers about their future and potential salary delays. Transnet is working to resolve the issues, including the municipal bill, and expects the GDE to take over the school's operations by the end of March 2024.

Key Takeaways

• SAFA Transnet Football School of Excellence faces closure due to financial troubles.
• Employees demand transparency on budget, fear job losses and unpaid salaries.
• School's electricity disconnected due to 1.3M rand unpaid bill, Transnet to withdraw.
• Closure would impact youth football development in South Africa.
• Gauteng Dept. of Education to take over school by March 2024, resolving issues.