Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Homeless ready for field of dreams
SA team ready to leave their mark at Soccer World Cup
EXCITEMENT is mounting for eight South Africans who were previously on the streets and now find themselves preparing for the Homeless Soccer World Cup.
The 17th edition of the event takes place in Cardiff, Wales, from July 27 to August 3 and the squad is preparing for its debut.
This year’s tournament will welcome 64 teams from over 50 countries. The men’s competition will welcome 48 teams competing for six separate trophies, while the women’s competition will see 16 teams playing for two trophies.
The squad was selected from trials held across South Africa at the end of March under the auspices of Oasis Place, an NGO based in Schaapkraal.
Oasis head Clifford Marthinus said the tournament creates an opportunity for personal growth and development for each player. He said part of the selection criteria demanded that participants live on the streets or in overcrowded homes in informal settlements.
“This is all part of our 20/20 Community Street Soccer initiative,” said Marthinus.
He added the initiative has enjoyed great support from the departments of Social Development and Cultural Affairs and Sport.
Local team member, Wade Samuels, said he planned to go to Wales and win the tournament for his team. The 20-year-old from Parkwood said being selected as part of the South African squad was the highlight of his life so far.
“My expectations is to carry my team as far as possible, even win the world cup by all means. It is like a dream come true and one of my greatest achievements so far in my life.” Samuels said he admired Italian and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
“He is like a father to all players in the world, both teammates and opponents. What I enjoy about soccer is that it is very entertaining and challenging. It also makes me meet new friends,” he said.
Lucky Tyokwana, from New Crossroads, Nyanga, said: “I want to go as far as we can to make my country proud. My favourite player is Simphiwe Tshabalala. He is humble and is always respectful on and off the field.”.
Yandisa Nomadluka spoke of his dream of bringing silverware home. The 22-year-old from Swellendam said it was a great feeling to wear national colours.
“It’s something special you know, it shows how hard I have worked. Hard work pays off. I really feel good, it motivates me to represent Africa, I am proud of myself,” he said.
Bongani Zungu said the team was hard-working.
“When I play, I forget everything, even that I was raised by a single parent. I just enjoy myself doing what I love,” he said.
Assistant coach, Bongani Mathiso said he hoped to gain more experience to grow as a person and a coach.
“The vibe in the camp at the moment is a mixed vibe as players don’t know what to expect, but definitely the players are over the moon” he said. The team leaves for Cardiff on July 24.