Blikkiesdorp to take on Ajax Cape Town

A COMMUNITY soccer team in Blikkiesdorp will soon get the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to play against MTN8 champions Ajax Cape Town. Well, the junior sides will at least.

Blikkiesdorp United FC coach Errol van der Byl has described the invitation to play against Ajax Cape Town’s youth academy teams as an “honour”.

Blikkiesdorp’s under 12 and 14 teams have been invited to Ajax’s training ground, Ikamva, for a round of matches next month.

Van der Byl and his wife, Joy, started the club eight years ago, reaching into their own pockets to “give the kids in the neighbourhood a reason to stay off the streets”.

The 55-year-old coach and his wife live in an informal structure in the area with their three children, aged between 15 and 28, who help out with the running of the club. The family supports the team by appealing for donations from people and organisations. Sports Trust South Africa has donated several soccer balls and 15 pairs of boots.

If the children can’t come up with the money, the Van der Byls would rather go hungry than let the team down.

“If there is nothing in the house, we will survive but the game has to go on because I am providing the players with hope. It’s very difficult. When I look around, kids are getting lost.

“There is nothing for them to do. Soccer is offering life lessons. They can even have Sunday school on the soccer field if soccer is not their sport, as I am working with a local pastor,” Van der Byl said.

“When I started, we had very aggressive kids. But their attitudes changed and the kids learnt to respect their neighbours and respect other kids in the area. That was an achievement for me and the purpose of this club.”

Commenting on the club’s upcoming friendlies with Ajax, Van der Byl said: “I cannot express the excitement I feel. We are grateful for this opportunity, we are fortunate. Many people do not believe that any good can come from Blikkiesdorp, so now we can prove what we are made of.”

Up to 68 registered players practise three times a week on a vacant lot close to Blikkiesdorp.

Van der Byl said the team was also fortunate to be able to call on the expertise of coach Leon Louw.

“He has years of experience. He is working at the sports department at the University of the Western Cape. He is a Brazilian national,” said Van der Byl.