Sappi sponsors local soccer club
Alocal soocer coach has been inspired to continue his soccer club’s legacy after receiving a much-needed sponsorship from a local business.
Gerald Banjo, coach of Celtic United, has continued the legacy of a well-known local club formerly known as Ghost Town Celtic with the aim of keeping children in school and off the streets by teaching them the game of soccer.
Banjo, a paramedic, volunteers his time as a coach for the now Celtic United children from the greater Woodlands community by teaching them how to play soccer.
He said for a long time he has been running the club out of his own pocket.
“That has now changed thanks to a huge sponsorship by Sappi. They have donated kits, soccer equipment and uniforms for the children as most of the children come from less fortunate homes,” said Banjo.
He obtained the sponsorship after reaching out to Sappi earlier this year.
Banjo coaches various age groups from under 9 to under 17.
The legacy of the club dates back many years with Banjo taking over in 1995 after noticing the increase in loitering among young children and the rise in crime and drugs in the community.
“There are a lot of costs involved in running a football club such as transport fees, soccer balls and kits for the children,” said Banjo.
“The most important thing to note is that this is not just about soccer. I monitor the children’s progress in school. I check their reports and I teach them life skills to equip
Y E A R Sthem for their future,” said Banjo.
He said the teams trained four times a week from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
“This means that I leave for work in the morning and only arrive home at 9 pm at night after training and making sure everyone is home safe.
“By doing this, I believe it decreases the number of children on the streets, either begging, stealing or on drugs,” said Banjo.
He said the senior team recently participated in the Bayhill Tournament in Cape Town and he is now looking to get his senior team into the Engine Knockout Challenge this year.
Sappi Forest stakeholder relations manager, Siyabulela Kobese, said the company received a request from the soccer academy to help children in need of school uniforms, soccer kits and equipment.
“We responded to the call and provided support to this club in the community of Woodlands,” said Kobese.