Young, aspirant footballers have a chance to showcase their talent with news that Build-It Hardware is to host an under 13 soccer tournament in Dundee, featuring 16 teams from the district. The tournament will be held at the Oval on August 27 with a ‘coach the coaches clinic’ on August 26.

The event has the backing of SAFA and the Endumeni Municipality.

Suppported ‘hands on’ by legendary Bafana Bafana coach, Clive Barker and King Goodwill Zwelithini’s eldest son, Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu (who himself played for Clive in the all-winning AmaZulu side of the early 1990s) the tournament is one of about 200 Build-It will sponsor this year in Southern Africa, but the first of its kind in Dundee.

The announcement was made at Tuesday’s coaching clinic for under 13s, where nearly 230 kids were put through their paces by Clive Barker and a team of dedicated local coaches.  Speaking to the Courier, the affable Clive ‘The Dog’  Barker said he was impressed with the technical ability and know-how shown by the youngsters.

“This is a credit to these coaches who have put so much effort in.  It is all about passing, your first touch and getting into space and reading the game. I am impressed. I am sure we will unearth some gems here who will go along way in the sport.”

The friendly Prince Nhlanganiso said at the press conference that ‘football shapes not only players but also people’.  “The discipline, team work and dedication make players better people.  I experienced this while playing under Clive at AmaZulu.  We know this district is poverty-stricken.  Changing one life here can change a community.”

He paid tribute to Build-It for their support of developing young talent.  Keagan Spiers of Build It Dundee said he is also a passionate soccer player and would be donating an extra R5000 in building material  to the winning team to go towards their school.

The winning team will earn an impressive trophy that they get to keep, medals, bags and more. There are also prizes for the runners-up and player of the tournament.  Les Pillay of Build It said the tournament is now in its tenth year and had shown itself to be an important stepstone for local talent.  “Many players have been spotted thanks to these tournaments and have gone on to play for Premier League teams.”

Enos Ndima, of SAFA’s Umzinaythi office, welcomed the initiative and said these are the kind of events needed to improve the quality of life in the district.  “We rely on sponsorships like this from Build It and are grateful for their support,” he added.

Bongnikosi Zulu, acting corporate services manager, Endumeni Municipality, said with limited recreational  opportunities on offer, it is ‘vital for a public/private partnership to improve the health of the community and to ensure young people do not drift into crime and other anti-social activities because of peer pressure.’

“Sports keeps a person’s mind and body active and makes that person not susceptible to peer pressure,” he said.

Mongi Mbokazi, communications manager, with the Build It group, said the weekend will kick off on August 26 with an all-day coaching clinic for coaches at the Oval conducted by Clive, the Prince and others.

The following day will see a colourful parade from Build It on Gladstone Street to the Oval to herald the start of the tournament that will get underway at  9am and finish at about 4pm.  “There will be lots of entertainment besides the matches and parents are encouraged to come out and support their boys and enjoy the day with us.”