Handing kids a new opportunity

Tauriq Hassen|Published 6 months ago

Bo-Kaap handball players lining up on the side of their home court in Bo-Kaap waiting for their next game.

Handball season is around the corner, and the Bo-Kaap Handball Club has big plans to grow the sport in the community.

The club is a non-profit organisation that was started in 2022 with support from German handball player Phillip Bohm after he visited South Africa.

“I am so happy it took off the way it did, and we are now starting to be more than just a club,” says Gakeem Staggie, the club's president, noting that it offers something different for the community’s children.

The club offers weekly training sessions for players of all age groups who participate in games and tournaments with other teams from the region.

“We are now trying to branch out into other areas and try to get to play teams from as many different areas as possible,” Mr Staggie says.

"Handball is becoming quite big, and I want our boys and girls to experience this in every area possible against many different players."

The sport helps to build social cohesion, teamwork and gender equality and is a healthy pastime for youth in a community plagued by drug use, teen pregnancy and poverty, he says.

“We firmly believe that handball can offer a perspective and a way out. Through handball, we give children hope, self-confidence and the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

Muzzammil Mullins, 16, who recently lost his mother, says he has learnt a lot from the sport. “I am really getting into it. Especially after everything that happened to me, it really is the right sport for me."

"It has also taught me a lot about discipline,” adds Tashreeqah Samuels, 14.

Mr Bohm says it has been thrilling to support the growth of a new sport in the community.

“It’s also great that we can provide this extra training after school and keep kids away from negative influences in the area."

For more information about the club, contact Gakeem Staggie at 060 602 7959 or Jamilah Staggie at 078 615 4838 or Samieta Moliffi at 078 281 6362.

Aashiq Simons goes in for the kill at a league match at the Bo-Kaap tennis courts, which were recently converted into a handball court.

The Bo-Kaap Handball Club during a league encounter at their Bo-Kaap base.

Bo-Kaap Handball Club President Ghakeem Staggie with his wife, Jamilah, cooking a pot of food for the community and players during the month of Ramadaan.

The Bo-Kaap Handball Club has been growing in popularity.

Phillip Bohm, of Germany, left, has helped to sponsor the club. He and his wife, Nicola, far right, are pictured here with Gakeem and Jamilah Staggie.