Vodacom joined forces with soccer clubs and change lives

Stars from both Orlando Pirates and Keizer Chiefs took time out from their training to join Vodacom in giving a message of hope to the children and their parents who are dealing with the effects of cancer in their lives.

They visited the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa House (CHOC) in Diepkloof, which provides vital accommodation and support for parents traveling from all over South Africa for their children to be treated at Bara and handed out care packs and goodie bags for the children.

They were also given a tour of the Zakithi Nkosi Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Clinic at Bara where they met the brave children being treated for cancer.

ALSO READ: Soccer tourney offers opportunity to upskill players in Eldos

Whenever Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs play, the nurses in the children’s oncology clinic will tell you the pleasure they bring to their youngest fans and how it makes it easier to administer chemotherapy to them.

When Vodacom brought players from these two Soweto clubs to visit the clinic and the CHOC House in Diepkloof ahead of the new season, it had the same power to heal and give hope to the children.

“Their bravery gives us hope because these children are fighting every day for their lives, and they’re not giving up. In the hospital, I saw a mother crying for her child and it affected me deeply.

“All we need to do is give them love and be there for them. It made me realise how fortunate I am to have the life I have,” said George Matlou, a Keizer Chiefs midfielder.

For Kishan Naik, Vodacom Executive Head Southern Gauteng, the day was a perfect example of two teams going beyond what they do on the field and a company going beyond what it does in the boardroom to make an impact in their community.

“We’re a purpose-led organisation and today was part of our initiatives around Nelson Mandela Day and giving back to the communities that support us.

“With our partners, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates we’d like to give these children and their families the message that they are part of our family as well,” said Naik.

ALSO READ: Help Pimville player attend his soccer trials in Slovenia

The stark reality is that there is an overwhelming misconception that children cannot get cancer, and children are often diagnosed and treated too late.

According to Professor Gita Naidu, the Head of Paediatric Oncology at Bara, visits such as this create an awareness that can save a child’s life.

“Vodacom is well known for networks and mobility, but they are equally strong at connecting people. Today they connected two teams who are normally on opposite sides of the field, and with children who desperately need their support,” added Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC.