Young SA Futsal team headed for Hungary

THE South African under-18 Futsal team are heading to Hungary where they will represent the country at the European Maccabi Games later this month.

Team coach Reon Siyaya and his chosen 11 will embark on a journey that will put South Africa and the sport on the map.

According to Siyaya, his team is mentally and physically ready for the tournament. South Africa will be represented by under-16, under-18, men’s open and masters (over-35s) teams.

“This is something me and the boys have all been waiting for,” said team captain Jordan Arelisky. Futsal is a fast-paced indoor five-a-side football game played on a small court and differs greatly from the 11-a-side outdoor version.

As one of the five highest-ranked teams, South Africa will compete against Spain, Great Britain, Hungary and Italy. South Africa came third at the World Maccabi Games

in 2017. “The team are keen and have a good coach,” added Jordan.

Team captain Jordan’s confidence in his teammates’ commitment to achieving more than the bronze that they won in past years seems to be very promising. The team have promising players like striker Aaron Isserow, winger Daniel Neuburger, goalkeeper Tal Eisenberg and defender and the captain himself, Jordan.

Jordan, who has been playing for four years, said: “When you work really hard and have a great coach, it is not hard to play Futsal.” Jordan says the team are aiming for a gold medal after their bronze medal exploits in 2017.

Siyaya said: “I’m hoping that they get seen by overseas universities and clubs that can offer them a career in the sport.”

South Africa is one of eight non-European countries invited to the 2019 Games which run from July 30 to August 6.

Team Maccabi SA will compete in Futsal, half-marathon, swimming, table tennis and tennis.

‘When you work really hard and have a great coach it’s not hard to play Futsal’

THE SA under-18 team will compete at the European Maccabi Games in Hungary later this month. Back row from left: Jamie Sulcas, Elan Novick, Zach Brivik, Ariel Saxe. Front, from left: Jordan Arelisky, Tal Eisenberg, Aaron Isserow. PICTURE: SUPPLIED