Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach, Steve Komphela, has shared an inspiring message with the Matric Class of 2024.
Check it out!
Read: Khune Explores New Hybrid Sport
The story
In true Steve Komphela style, the veteran tactician delivered a motivational message to the 2024 matriculants following the release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examinations Board (IEB) results this week.
The class of 2024 who took the NSC exams are being praised for their exceptional performance, achieving an impressive 87.3% pass rate — reportedly the highest in the country's history.
Meanwhile, the IEB achieved a pass rate of 98.47%, the highest in five years, with over a million candidates sitting for the exams, marking the largest group to ever do so.
"It is not how you start, it is all about how you finish. Those [students] who managed, pursue, those who couldn't? Go back, prepare again and continue to pursue," noted Komphela in a video shared on Sundowns' social media channels.
"Those who decide to stop? You run a risk. In South Africa, as a nation, as a society, we need to have a higher level of understanding in education because the basis of success for any human being lies in their level of education," added the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor, who also recognises the complications that surface when matric results are released yearly.
Masandawana, let's give a massive round of applause to the matriculants of 2024!! ?? Well done to all who passed. For those who fell short, remember - every great story has challenges. Stand tall and keep moving forward! ???
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 14, 2025
Full video available to watch on YouTube! ??… pic.twitter.com/KfNEwhJsKR
"It's a very delicate topic. It's a very fragile and sensitive topic. And it's a topic that's embedded in traditions.
"It has been part of the culture and tradition of matriculants, families, schools, principals and Deputy principles, teachers, learners and educators as you would call them today — where there would be that moment when we're waiting for the results, it started from when we were preparing for the examinations in matric, where you knew that —
"'I need to prepare and I've made my applications for the next institution whether it's varsity or college or whatever but January would be that period where the level of anxiety is intense. people are extremely anxious which leads to a point where anxiety would be mistaken for fear."
Komphela also drew parallels between the anxiety of professional footballers anxiously looking ahead to a match to students anticipating their matric results.
Read: Sha-Sha Garners Adoration From Teammates Fans
Watch Komphela's full address below, with a word from ex-coach and club legend, Trott Moloto:
