A dusty and bumpy road for Kempton’s proud Lion Stars

Keeping children off the streets and away from bad influences is a common phrase and practice most parents and community members strive for.For Lion Star Youth Foundation, the phrase is not only what they preach but what they practise.

Lion Star is a non-profit youth development organisation that uses sports to achieve this goal.

“The organisation was established in 2014 by Germain Hounkpanti, who is also the head coach for the soccer division,” said Jonathan Kabasele, team administrator.

“The aim of Lion Star is to keep children busy and off the streets, considering the fact that our community is affected by drug and substance abuse. Mental and physical health is also our priority.”

Amanda Mzamo-Odoemelam, chairperson of the organisation, told Express the organisation also hosted awareness events.

“It is not only about sports. We also host events where we invite police, metro police and members of the social crime prevention unit to advise children on safety tips, drug and substance abuse, and domestic violence, among other things. Children also get information on where to get help,” said Mzamo-Odoemelam.

“We organise matches with bigger teams in order for them to be scouted, which might help them develop their talents into careers.”

Committee members also shared that, although the organisation had been growing from strength to strength, it had not been easy.

“The journey has also been difficult due to the lack of resources and funds,” said Hounkpanti.

“We have managed to make it this far due to the assistance of some of our stakeholders who contribute towards events we host. However, the organisation could do with a long-term sponsor, which would make the running of the organisation much easier.”

Lack of transport is one of the main challenges and the committee often takes money out of their own pockets for the teams to travel to various venues for games in the Tembisa United Football Association (TUFA) league.

“We were number two during the first half of the TUFA league last year, but the boys forfeited games when we couldn’t afford transport, which saw them move to seventh position,” said Kabasele.

This unfortunate circumstance demoralised the children, who were very eager to win the league. The organisation is also in need of a permanent office building. At the moment, the committee goes to local restaurants for meetings.

Training and local events are held at the grounds on Maxwell Street, opposite the artisan school. There are no toilets on the field and they often ask the artisan school across the road during training and hire mobile toilets during events. The youngsters are also asked to bring water bottles as there are no taps.

“The bumpy field is not conducive for training and we appeal to neighbouring schools and facilities that have proper training grounds to help accommodate us,” said Hounkpanti.

“Our children get intimidated when they play friendly games against development teams from Bidvest and Kaizer Chiefs football clubs and others who have far better facilities, as they feel their competitors are too advanced for them.

“We have talented players but they fail to realise they play against their peers who have the same talent as they have,” he said.

The committee wants to include more sporting codes, such as netball, rugby and volleyball.

“We will continue to support and mentor the children as we believe in what we do. Being involved in a child’s life is not a part-time commitment. It needs to be a consistent involvement,” said Mzamo-Odoemelam.

“The organisation is going strong through all challenges. Thank you to all the organisations that have helped us in the past and to community members who always show support. We also thank and appreciate the children for their commitment.”

Other committee members include Sharleen Mbalo and Khomotso Khomape, who are responsible for marketing.

For more information or to donate, contact Mzamo-Odoemelam on 084 747 8844 or Kabasele on 082 669 7072 or send an email to internationallionstarfootball@gmail.com