The lack of a proper sports field in Etete’s Velani township has caused many of the area’s youngsters to lose interest in soccer.
But one determined young man has set out to change this and bring back the culture of “diski” to the township.
“Soccer is the key to keeping young boys off the street,” said Vusi Dlamini.
Dlamini started KwaDukuza Siyadlala Youth Development last April, focusing on developing the soccer talent of boys between the ages of 13 and 15 from Etete and neighbouring townships.
Today they have a league of 16 teams with over 200 players.
“The first step was to approach team owners around the townships, including Malende, Groutville and Thembeni.”
They caught his vision and together formed a committee league off the ground.
Each team now has their own coach, who volunteer his time to train the youngsters at the dilapidated field that serves as a practice ground.
One of the coaches, Sbonelo Dube, from Groutville United, said the development side had opened a platform for them as coaches to share their knowledge.
“Since we joined KwaDukuza Siyadlala Youth Development there has been a great improvement from the players. They are now more disciplined and focused on their game,” said Dube.
The passionate Dlamini previously worked with a school in Doringkop training primary school boys. He is also a tournament officer for the South African Schools Football Association in the Ilembe cluster.
As much as Dlamini is currently focusing on soccer, he said he hopes to soon include other sporting codes.
“Besides netball, volleyball and basketball there are lots of kids in the township with an amazing talent in traditional zulu dance and other indigenous games. Those are the kids that need to be brought together and groomed to take their sporting talent to the next level,” said Dlamini.
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