Football tournament kicks drugs to the curb
Young footballers lit up the Olievenhoutbosch sports grounds as four local teams battled it out in a spirited tournament aimed at tackling drug abuse and keeping youth off the streets.
A weekend football tournament in Olievenhoutbosch united sport and social impact, as two associations teamed up to tackle drug abuse and uplift local youth through the power of the game.
The Olievenhoutbosch Local Football Association (OLFA), in partnership with the Tshwane Liquor Traders Association (TLTA), hosted the tournament at Olievenhoutbosch Ext 37 sports grounds.
The tournament, composed of four local teams, Future Sports FC, All Stars FC, Sky City FC and Tokza FC, saw community members and stakeholders coming in their numbers to witness the children’s talent.
Future Sports FC were the overall winners of the tournament.
OLFA secretary Wonders Mabhena said their main goal is to remove kids and youth from the streets and uplift their talents.
Mabhena highlighted the challenges they face as the association.
“The challenge we are facing is that we do not have any assistance from the local authorities or the government. Our infrastructure is a mess,” he said.
Mabhena also called on parents to support their kids by encouraging them to take part in sports to reduce drug abuse and crime in the community.
Photo: Supplied
One of the coaches from the team that won the championship, Sibusiso Mphaho, said what they are doing goes beyond building players to become professionals.
“We are doing this to keep the youth engaged, as we want to see them becoming successful leaders in the future, besides being professional soccer players.
“We teach them discipline to overcome the challenges they might come across in life and be responsible fathers of tomorrow,” he said.
Mphaho said that as many players come from different backgrounds, the association creates a safe space for them to overcome the challenges they face at home.
Photo: Supplied
He emphasised the need for sponsorship and recognition from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“OLFA has been existing for many years. We need sponsors to guide us and make the association more interesting by helping us where we are lacking in terms of sports kit and proper sports facilities.
“We also need the department to recognise the positive work we are doing in building a safer community.”
Mphaho said they need more consistency from the department.
“The inconsistency from our government is discouraging most of our players. Our players lose hope due to a lack of proper sports facilities, because you will find that we have eight teams to compete in one sports ground, with about four divisions,” he explained.
“It is about time the department stepped in to assist in developing our local sports field, because I believe if the glory is revived and marketing is improved in our league, more players will come to the field.”
One of the parents, Khothatso Mashilo, embraced the collaboration and sang its praises.
“The association is doing a great job, as they are giving our kids an opportunity to outshine themselves in soccer. I am very happy about this collaboration because it is keeping our children away from being involved in illegal activities,” Mashilo said.
“This is a sigh of relief to most of us because we do not have to worry about what our kids get up to during the day, as we believe they are in safe hands.
“I feel like other parents out there can see the beautiful work that is being done here and bring their children to experience what it is like to be involved in something that builds a positive mindset,” Mashilo said.
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