The Corinthians Africa’s blind football team makes history in Russia

The Corinthians Africa’s blind football team had a successful trip to Russia last month for the First International Blind Football Exhibition Tournament Among BRICS+ Nations.

Mlungisi ‘Jack’ Msibi, the CEO of Corinthians Africa, said there were not enough words to describe their feelings and the experience they gained during the tournament.

He said the team was overwhelmed by the love they received there, “It was an amazing and life-changing experience.”

Experience in Russia
Mlungisi noted that people and professionalism in Russia are exceptional.

“The joy of the team, especially the young ones who flew for the first time, was great. The setup and preparation for the tournament were great when we got there. It was phenomenal.

“There was so much hope and excitement in the team, and they felt the urgency of this country to have a formalised blind soccer league.

“I mean, when we played Brazil who ranked number one, and our national anthem played, it felt surreal. That’s when we realised that this was big, we were representing our country. No words can describe that feeling,” he said.

The team was in the group of death with Russia (2x European Champions), Brazil, Belarus and Kazakhstan and the youngest, with an average age of 19.

“Brazil welcomed us in our inaugural match – our introduction into the professional league. In the second game against the host, Wiseman Makhonza made history by becoming the first player in SA to score a goal in the tournament. Mind you, it takes a minimum of two years for an average team to score.

“Even the Russians celebrated with us. It reminded me of the goal Bafana Bafana’s Siphiwe Tshabalala scored against Mexico in the World Cup 2010. The jubilation was overwhelming,” explained Mlungisi.

The team then played Kazakhstan and saw improvement, but the cherry on top came in their last game against Belarus, which they won 2-1. A compliment from the host accompanied their first win.

“Our character won many hearts there. The way we entered the pitch through songs was a great plus for us,” he said.

He said the team learnt plenty about technicalities and the sport during the event. They look forward to upcoming tournaments and promise to improve. Türkiye won the tournament, and Brazil was the runner-up.

Accolades
Mlungisi said he had never been in so many interviews, including online and TV. Koketso Titus was named the player of the tournament, Mlungisi was the coach of the tournament (he also got the coaching diploma in recognition of his input), Corinthians Africa’s blind football team won the breakthrough team gong and TJ Chitekwe, the goalkeeper, won most improved player and most saves of the tournament.

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“Normally, the winning team of the tournament win these accolades. However, with great character, we were able to win them. Other teams respected us, and there was no animosity among us.

“We have 10 to 15 years with this team, so the goal is to set up a formidable league. Russia and Kazakhstan promised to send their coaches to help us achieve this feat. Blind soccer in these countries started in the 1950s, but we are only two years in.

“Brazil has 16 blind soccer leagues. The Kazakhstan government has a budget specifically for blind soccer. That’s how serious they are in other countries. There’s a whole ministry dedicated to it.”

Thank you
Mlungisi said the team was grateful for everyone’s support, “Many people accompanied us to and from the airport. Thank you. To the Johannesburg Society for the Blind, the South African BRICS Youth Association, Bush Vacuum Solutions and the contribution from German company BASF, thank you. We really appreciate your support,” he said.