Soccer club formed for the youth by the youth

At 20 years old, Brendan Nqoko, Ward 20 committee member for youth, has founded the soccer team Senderwood United with help from the community to benefit the youth in Bedfordview.

Brendan, a business management student, has through his youth portfolio gathered young players to be part of Senderwood United.

Also read: Malaikha secures position in New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

His father, who campaigned during the last elections, introduced Brendan to becoming a ward committee member in Bedfordview, where he decided that owing to his age he would be the best person to represent the youth in Bedfordview.

“My age definitely played a role in me becoming the ward committee member for youth. I felt that I was suitable and that I could really bring about change,” said Brendan.

Part of his job is to connect and engage with the youth within Bedfordview, and he does this by staying proactive in the community and gathering as much information as possible on what the youth may need.

“I am very proud of the June 16 youth event we had and that so many came out to support it,” said Brendan.

Sport has also become a way for Brendan to connect with the youth in Bedfordview.

“I play soccer. I used to play for Highlands Football Club and we used to train at Chaucer Road Park. One day it just stopped and I decided with a few other people that a football team in Senderwood for the youth would be a great idea,” said Brendan.

He said the idea began in 2017 and they now have 13 players in Senderwood United, all coming from Bedfordview.

Brendan said the team has their own kit, which a friend of his father has sponsored, and a number of other stakeholders lent a hand as well.

“The team usually plays in informal leagues such as friendly tournaments. We play matches against Edenvale, Linksfield and Bedfordview High School,” said Brendan.

Brendan hopes the team becomes a huge success.

“We are so motivated to play. We see ourselves playing in established leagues,” said Brendan.

Brendan said in terms of the youth, the team brings about discipline and keeps everyone busy and away from getting into trouble with drugs and alcohol.

He said the community has also been supportive, for example community member Pano Wills and Saheti School operations manager Warren Manson.

Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys has also supported Brendan on the team and the great job he is doing.

“Bedfordview is such a great community. People here are kind and decent, much like Vis Naidoo, who is one of the greatest people I have met. He has shown the team a lot of love,” said Brendan.

Brendan said the team is looking for more teammates.

“We need more members. If you have nothing to do, we have a team for you. We will give you a warm welcome and we will grow together,” said Brendan.

Also follow us on