Kronendal raise funds for new soccer kits

Kronendal Primary School in Hout Bay raised thousands in just 24 hours to make sure their soccer team looks the part for their upcoming school tournament.

The school community and supporters rallied together to raise the funds, surpassing their initial target of R21 000, to provide new soccer kits for the school's U13 boys team.

The campaign was launched on the evening of Sunday, August 31, and more than R30 000 was raised, the school confirmed.

The initiative forms part of the SchoolLIFT Foundation’s pilot program, which is dedicated to uplifting schools through improved facilities and resources.

Earlier this year, Sentinel News reported that the programme would form an important part of the school and was trying to raise necessary funds to assist ("How SchoolLIFT plans to support schools in Hout Bay", Sentinel News, June 20, 2025).

The drive was spearheaded by David Elliott, co-founder of the SchoolLIFT Foundation and a school governing body parent, alongside coach Cecil Abrahams and Tim Jacobs, who helped with the kit design.

Mr Elliot explained that they had been running a football tournament for a number of years with primary schools in the Hout Bay area and neighbouring communities.

"The SchoolLIFT Foundation was made aware that the Kronendal footballers were the only team playing in their Phys. Ed. kit, so they decided to raise funds on their crowdfunding platform," Mr Elliot said.

The campaign was launched on SchoolLIFT's partner site, BackaBuddy, and reached a target of just over R33 000.

"The target was therefore increased to R33 000, so that they could get kits for the girls' football teams too. So over 50 kits have been designed and ordered, and the kids are super excited for the tournament and very grateful to the donors," he said.

Among the donors were the 'Old Ballie' footballers in the valley, parents, and a mystery donor who invested R15 000 in the team.

School principal, Nathan Levendal, said: "For the first time, our players will soon step onto the field with professional kits that truly reflect their talent, spirit, and teamwork."

"The achievement shows just how powerful collaboration and community spirit can be in creating opportunities for young learners. Their passion inspired parents, alumni, and the wider Hout Bay community to come together in record time."

The school will show off its new kits at its annual tournament on Friday, September 26, and invites the public to join them to celebrate their latest achievement.