No backing sees futsal team relegated to the bench

NATIONAL futsal champions Young Natalians are making a last-ditch attempt to travel to India for a major club tournament next month.

The Pietermaritzburg-based side, who are South Africa’s most decorated club, having bagged two national titles over the past four years, have been invited by a Kerela-based radio station, Club FM, to the All India competition.

The indoor, five-a-side version of football is growing exponentially in India. Two years ago, it launched a sixteam professional league with players like legendary Brazilian exponent Falcao and former Manchester United stars Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs on the books of teams.

“This is a big chance for us to play in a country where the sport is growing big time,” said Natalians’ coach Gregory Nair. “It is to celebrate the Fifa World Cup, so we expect it to be vibrant.”

Two years ago, Natalians won an international tournament in the Netherlands, but their efforts to get to India for July 14-15 could come to nought without sponsorship.

“We have tried many avenues to get funding, but we have failed,” said Nair. “The invitation includes meals and accommodation – we just need flights.

“The sport has grown in South Africa over the past five years.

This would be a good chance to test ourselves and would help those in the national team and those who want to earn a call-up.”

Next weekend, Natalians will feature in the SA Indoor Football Association knockout tournament. Last season, they were beaten in the final by ethekwini City.

“We are still training after winning the league last month,” Nair added. “There is another chance for us to do the double for a second time this weekend.

“Time is flying, but we hope the funding comes through so we can make the trip.”