A company owned by Chippa United boss Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi, Chipcor Developers, have taken over the running of the School of Excellence.
Over the years, the institution has been known for producing some of the finest talents in the country who have gone on to represent Bafana Bafana.
This includes the likes of Steven Pienaar, Bernard Parker, Bryce Moon, and more recently Relebohile Mofokeng, Emile Witbooi and Siyabonga Mabena.
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However, there have been fears that the School, considered one of South Africa’s most important football development institutions, could be closed. This is after they struggled with financial backing in recent years.
In an official statement issued on Chippa United’s social media platforms, the company detailed Mpengesi’s vision at the institution.
“The appointment at the School of Excellence now extends this restoration mandate onto a national platform,” read the statement.
“The school’s revival plan includes upgrading its training grounds, academic spaces, living residences, maintenance systems, security infrastructure, and operational model. Re-establish the institution as a national centre of excellence, drawing youth from all provinces and equipping them with elite football training, strong academic foundations, life-skills, and personal development support for both girls and boys.”
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The company says, together with the Chippa Mpengesi Foundation, they intend to collaborate with key national and regional partners, including:
NYDA (National Youth Development Agency)
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Ekurhuleni Municipality
Department of Basic Education
Department of Higher Education
SAFA [South African Football Association]
PSL [Premier Soccer League] and various corporate sponsors through their CSI [Corporate Social Investment] programmes.
Mpengesi says beyond football, he also plans to introduce an expanded youth development curriculum, offering both traditional and unfamiliar developmental pathways.
This includes introductory police-oriented qualifications, Artisan and technical training, Construction trades, maintenance and repair skills and Career-readiness and employment training, character-building initiatives.
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