Building partnerships goes beyond the boardroom—it is strengthened on the playing field when common interests and goals are shared.
False Bay TVET College’s Fish Hoek Campus student men’s football team recently participated in the Simon’s Town Navy Championship, held from 18–22 May 2026. The prestigious tournament featured nine teams, and False Bay TVET College was honoured to be invited to compete.
Despite having a relatively young squad, the team rose to the challenge against more seasoned competitors. Their participation was made possible through an ongoing relationship with the South African Navy. Notably, the College became the first external academic institution invited to join the competition, which has historically been reserved for teams representing SA Naval Units, Cape Town Military Units, and other government security parastatals in the province.
According to team captain Dean van Niekerk, an ICT student, the experience proved both challenging and rewarding:
“We knew it was going to be tough, but we took this opportunity to learn from more seasoned players. Participating in this tournament has helped position us within the local soccer fraternity and will open doors to further opportunities as players.”
The competition was fiercely contested, and False Bay TVET College exceeded expectations by securing second place, finishing just behind the defending champions, SAPS Provincial Team.
Coach Alexander Geyrodien, who led the team, commended the squad’s discipline and passion:
“Our team is disciplined and plays for the love of the game. I am exceptionally proud of their performance and look forward to returning to the Simon’s Town Tournament next year—hopefully with a ladies’ team as well.”
Beyond the competition, the tournament underscores the critical role that partnerships play in strengthening business relationships between educational institutions and strategic stakeholders. Engagements such as these create shared value—enabling organisations like the South African Navy to connect with emerging talent while providing students with meaningful exposure to professional environments beyond the classroom.
For False Bay TVET College, participation in such initiatives enhances its reputation as an institution committed to developing well-rounded graduates. It also opens pathways for future collaboration, including work-integrated learning opportunities, internships, and potential employment pipelines. The experience not only elevates the college’s presence within the sporting community but also strengthens its position as a trusted partner in skills development and youth advancement.
