Duo needs help to enhance soccer among kids in eMbalenhle

eMBALENHLE – The U/10 team of Eleven Attackers Football Club and the U/13 team of Yizo Yizo Football Club are the winners of a zonal tournament held at the Ehlazweni Football Club grounds in eMbalenhle fron 1 to 5 April.

Zone 2’s U/13s ended second and the U/10 team of Yizo Yizo took second place.

A total of 10 teams competed in the tournament.

Messrs Sunboy Mthimunye from Ngena Usebenze Staffing Solutions (Nuss) and Jabu Masuku of MJ Development that focuses on sport development for kids joined forces to plan this tournament.

“We did not have much time to finalise while the country was awaiting the president’s decision on lockdown restrictions over Easter, but we still had a good turnout,” Mr Mthimunye said.

The goal of the tournament, Mr Mthimunye explained, is to develop the talent and skills of young players, and to give them hope and purpose.

“I grew up here and also played on this field, and I want to show the kids there is a wat that soccer can sculpt your future.” Mr Mthimunye was recruited to Ajax Cape Town at the age of 14.

He played in the big leagues for five years.

“A lot of our local guys make it to national and international teams,” he said. “There is a living to be made from this sport.”

Masuku agrees with Mr Mthimunye that U/10 to U/13 is a crucial age for the development of skills and talents.

This is therefore not the last that they will host this event.

“We hope to make this a regular event at least two to three times a year,” said Mr Masuku.

The top four teams were treated to a meal at the Oregon Spur, John Dory’s and Panarotti’s.

They also received trophies and medals.

Messrs Mthimunye and Masuku thanked the restaurant owners, as well as their other sponsors, Mpho Mayila from Flame, and Ngcovu.

“We also want to thank the DA councillor, Ms Lottie Mkwebane for her support.”

Mr Houghton Ndiringepi, assistant manager of John Dory’s, said it was amazing to see the enthusiasm of the players and the need for such a tournament.

“The pitch on which they played is hardly a soccer field, but the kids gave it their all,” he said. They need water and a first aid kit at these events,” he said.

Messrs Mthimunye and Masuku said they need help to up the next tournament.

There is a huge need for training equipment, shades soccer balls and gear, cones, soccer kits, bibs, caps, water and food, trophies, medals and security.

They hope that in the future they can get schools involved and to help schools with a coaching programme for their learners.

“We want to see soccer come alive in all schools,” said Mr Mthimunye.

For more information or to become involved in this initiative, contact Mr Mthimunye at 072 929 4340 or Mr Masuku at 078 656 0847.

See: photo gallery of event