Changing Lives Through Football
Friday, July 24, 2009
Last night was one that John Maloyi will remember for the rest of his life, as he and 14 other South African youngsters boarded a plane for the first time on their way to Oslo, Norway to represent South Africa at a youth football tournament.
The group, many of them orphans under the care of the project SA Cares for Life, are off to play as the Lesedi Strikers with 30,000 other children from around the world.
"I am feeling so excited that we are going overseas. It is my first time and I don't know what to expect in Europe. I definitely think we are going to win in the tournament though," said 14-year-year-old Maloyi.
After Maloyi got to experience a live match during the FIFA Confederations Cup, along with the rest of the Lesedi Strikers, the youngster can think about nothing but football.
"We got to go and see USA and Brazil at the Confederations Cup and it was so great. We all enjoyed it so much and I will definitely be watching in 2010. It is great to have this kind of football in South Africa and I hope to one day play in a World Cup myself."
This is a totally life changing experience for them. You can see that soccer can change lives and the whole community is behind them and the World Cup is definitely a big part of this, everyone is going soccer mad now.
Riekie van den Berg
With the Official Mascot of 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Zakumi, making an appearance to see the team off at the airport, the excitement grew among the children as they clamoured for a high-five with the funky leopard.
"I am so happy right now to see him (Zakumi) and to be going overseas. This is my first time flying. I know that 2010 is going to be so good for us, everyone is going to come to South Africa and people will enjoy our country," said Michael Matalauta, before joining his team for a group photo with Zakumi.
For the managing director of SA Cares for Life, Riekie van den Berg, the trip is something that will certainly change the lives of the 15-strong team, many of whom were using drugs and living on the street before they were taken in and taught to play football.
"This is a totally life changing experience for them. You can see that soccer can change lives and the whole community is behind them and the World Cup is definitely a big part of this, everyone is going soccer mad now."
As the first South African team to be part of the youth tournament, the Lesedi Strikers were invited by the tournament organisers after they saw what the project was doing to take children off the streets in the Mabopane area, outside South Africa's capital of Pretoria.
For van den Berg the trip is a great opportunity to showcase not only South African football talent, but the country's culture as well.
"What is also exciting is that they have been asked to put on a cultural display for the other teams during the tournament and they have been practising hard for this. It will be great to show the world what South Africa is all about and it is teaching the kids to be proud of their culture and heritage," said van den Berg, as the children showcased their routine for Zakumi and the gathering crowd to send them off at the airpor.
Labels: FIFA
posted @ 6:34 PM,
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