Drug awareness soccer tournament held
The soccer tournament was supported in numbers by the community.
The faith-based organisation Jesus Maak Nxa (JMN) hosted a drug awareness campaign and tournament to welcome former drug addicts back into society on September 25.
The event at the Mackenzieville Stadium started with a fun walk on the streets of Alra Park.
After the walk, the recovered addicts showcased their talents on the soccer field, with eight teams competing for the trophy sponsored by Cambridge FC.
“We sponsored the trophy as a symbol for the former addicts, for them to go out into the world and stay drug-free,” said Cambridge FC chairperson Ignatius Maphike.
The games were between teams from various recovery centres and other faith-based organisations and played on a knockout basis.
The teams that participated were The Freedom Recovery Centre (Nigel), Christian Family Church (Kempton Park), The Hope Revolution (Pretoria), Bereshith (Palm Ridge), Lankal Duk vir Drugs (Delmore Park), Men of War (Eden Park), the South African National Council in Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) Alra Park and the JMN FC (Boksburg and Nigel).
“It was a day to be remembered and etched in the hearts of many, especially those recovered individuals and those still suffering from drug abuse,” said the founder of JMN, Clearance Olivier.
“It was beautiful to witness how a community can come together and be part of such a beautiful event.
“There was good and strong visibility from the metro police and community safety patrollers, which made everyone feel safe and comfortable.”
The final match saw Christian Family Church take on JMN FC.
JMN FC won the match with a score of 2-1.
“Cambridge FC was delighted to be part of such a beautiful event to fight drugs and addiction through sport,” said Maphike.
Olivier also added his appreciation for the event and the day’s success.
“The soccer tournament was a testament to the young boys and girls that they can have fun without drugs and alcohol,” he said.
“The community’s motivation, support and encouragement to the teams playing, as well as the sense of brotherhood between the teams playing, was beautiful to witness.”
