The Independent on Saturday

How the beautiful game brings people together

- From: KEVIN GOVENDER

IT IS estimated that soccer has about 4 billion supporters worldwide. According to Fifa, 270 million people are actively involved in the sport, equating to about 4% of the world population.

Two recent happenings, thousands of kilometres apart, illustrate how the power of football can heal nations and unite small communitie­s alike.

Last week Iran, one of the world’s most unpopular countries, qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, amid scenes of undiluted jubilation and celebratio­ns. Iran beat Uzbekistan 2-0.

A fortnight ago an Islamic State-led attack on Tehran left 17 people dead.

But its citizens, especially the youth, have taken to social media to proclaim that not even the Islamic State can stand in their way of victory. That’s a true triumph of the human spirit over evil forces.

In the same week, in a little coastal town in South Africa, a group of minnows turned to heroes as Uthongathi Football Club won promotion from the ABC Motsepe League to the National First Division – just one step away from profession­al status.

People stayed away from work and children missed school as the locals celebrated the achievemen­t.

The last time the sugarbelt community had a taste of profession­al soccer was in the 1980s when Tongaat Crusaders played under the aegis of the now defunct Federation Profession­al League, when Watson Park Stadium was the mecca for profession­al soccer.

Over the years well establishe­d teams like Manning Rangers, Bush Bucks, Santos, Amazulu, Jomo Cosmos and Moroka Swallows have been relegated.

While the rigours of the First Division offer meagre subsidies in financial packages, Uthongathi FC have to quickly adjust to the demands of semi-profession­al soccer and that includes community support and bringing big-name sponsors on board.

Well done, Iran and Uthongathi FC – they may be miles apart but they most certainly have their hearts on the ball.

 ?? PICTURE: AP ?? TRIUMPHANT: Iran’s national soccer team players celebrate after winning their 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. Iran became the second team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup by beating Uzbekistan 2-0.
PICTURE: AP TRIUMPHANT: Iran’s national soccer team players celebrate after winning their 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. Iran became the second team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup by beating Uzbekistan 2-0.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa