Soweto youths need funds to play soccer in Europe
Coach at pains to imagine his youngsters might not go
YOUNG aspiring stars of a Soweto soccer academy have been given the chance to play in a European tournament, but their dreams could be dashed if they don’t get a sponsor to rescue the trip.
The under 13, 15 and 17 players of the Soweto United Stars Soccer Academy in Pimville have been invited to participate in the Norway Cup taking place in Oslo at the end of July.
The Norway Cup is an annual event which is the world’s largest football tournament for young people between the ages 10 and 19.
In 2016, the tournament had almost 2 200 teams participating in the cup, with around 6 000 games played.
“We see this tournament as a good opportunity for our young athletes to interact with other peers on an international level,” the academy’s assistant coach, Masilo Mabela, said.
“We’ve been trying to get funds because our project is community based.
“We only have resources to buy soccer balls and make sure that the kids go to soccer fields around Soweto,” he said.
Mabela said they started looking for funds soon after receiving the invitation, but there has been no success.
“We went everywhere: government, private sector and even people we know could assist. However, so far we don’t have anything tangible. We only have six weeks to go and nothing has been forthcoming,” he said.
Most of the players in the academy come from disadvantaged backgrounds in provinces outside of Gauteng, with 40% coming from around Soweto.
The academy houses the children and provides them with transport to attend schools.
“They are from disadvantaged communities and they see this academy as the way out of poverty,” Mabela said.
“The main purpose of our team is to develop local football where it has never been developed, and to give disadvantaged kids an opportunity in life and to play at the highest level.”
Despite the fact that not a lot of money has been raised for the trip, the young stars remain optimistic and started applying for passports and visas in March.
“The boys are so positive that they already started doing their passports so that when the time arrives for us to go, they’ll have their passports in hand,” the coach said.
Mabela said the boys were very excited about the trip and he was at pains to imagine they might miss the opportunity.
“We know that it seems like things are not happening, and we don’t even have one cent to fund them, but we believe that a Good Samaritan will hear our pleas and assist.”
The parents of the players have also been involved in trying to source donations. Under 13 player Amogelang Tawane’s mother, Lungile Mkhomza, has been selling soup at church to raise funds.
“Amo is very excited. He is asking every day how far the fundraising is going and if they’re still going. We are struggling to raise funds for the children to go,” she said.
“This opportunity would help a lot with my child, especially at his young age, and there is still a long road for him as a soccer player.
“Maybe one or two players could be scouted there,” she said.
For donations, the coach can be contacted on 073 590 2703 or tsdsoccerdevelopment@gmail. com