WATCH: Corinthians FC make history, win South Africa’s first Blind Football League
The Johannesburg Blind Super League champions showcase skill, dedication, and the growing support for visually impaired football in Gauteng.
The Corinthians FC made history by winning the first Blind Football League in SA, taking the Johannesburg Blind Super League title on October 25.
The league comprised four teams, and the games were played monthly at the Paterson Multipurpose Centre.
TJ Chitekwe, the Corinthians FC blind team coach, has been dedicated to the team since he began coaching in 2023.
“I love football and wanted to be involved in the game, so I started coaching. Coaching visually impaired players is a challenging yet rewarding experience. We train using a lot of spoken instruction, and the players responded well,” said Chitekwe.
@southern.courierCorinthians FC make history, win South Africa’s first Blind Football League The Corinthians FC made history by winning the first Blind Football League in SA, taking the Johannesburg Blind Super League title on October 25. The league comprised four teams, and the games were played monthly at the Paterson Multipurpose Centre. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim
The win is the result of the team’s dedication, hard work and commitment and highlights the growing recognition and support for blind football in Joburg south.
The Johannesburg Blind Football Association League is SA’s first blind soccer league, founded by Mlungisi Msibi to provide opportunities for visually impaired individuals to play football. Msibi also coaches the national blind football team.
The league has four teams from across Gauteng: The Corinthians Africa, the Protea Tigers, the Future Stars and the Silver Stars.
Its primary goal was to grow the sport in the country, challenge perceptions about what blind people can achieve, and ultimately work towards SA being represented at the Paralympics.
Blind football has rules to accommodate visually impaired players. Each team comprises five players, four visually impaired (wearing blackout goggles to ensure an equal playing field), and the goalkeeper is sighted.
@southern.courierCorinthians FC make history, win South Africa’s first Blind Football League The Corinthians FC made history by winning the first Blind Football League in SA, taking the Johannesburg Blind Super League title on October 25. The league comprised four teams, and the games were played monthly at the Paterson Multipurpose Centre. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
The ball contains bells or loose bearings, allowing players to locate it by sound.
Players are guided by the sound of the ball, verbal instructions from the coach on the sideline, a sighted guide behind the opponent’s goal and the goalkeeper.
Spectators must remain silent during play so that players can hear instructions.
The league wants to expand and welcomes new players. Those interested in joining or learning more can call Corinthians Africa, one of the driving forces behind the league’s establishment, on 061 230 1352 for more information.
