At least 150 junior football enthusiasts took to the Philippi Village Astroturf a fortnight ago to compete in a five-a-side tournament which is part of a new soccer clinic.
With music pumping and dancers entertaining the guests, non-profit organisation, Rootz, launched the Salties soccer clinic, on Friday, May 31.
Pupils between the ages of seven and 12 were spoilt for choice during the soccer clinic, which was visited by former Supersport United and Mpumalanga Black Aces’ striker, Jerry Mxabo.
The former South African under-20 men’s striker, Mxabo started off in the greater Philippi before making his National Football Division and Premier Soccer League moves.
While still active as a footballer, last year Mxabo scored a hat-trick in the Safa Cape Town Coca-Cola Cup semi-finals, before winning the Coke Cup at Athlone Stadium with Diadora FC.
Mxabo said coaching the pupils is a passion for him, especially since it keeps them active and away from the congested society.
“I am from Philippi. I have played nationally and internationally. I came here to at least give hope to the children. I was once like them. I was once in their shoes. We did not have water. We did not have toilets. We have all of that now. There was gangsterism and it still is there. I want to give them hope to say that it is possible to change their lives with football,” said Mxabo.
Coach Sibusiso Mzobe, from Philippi, trains the pupils after school and helps them to look for work during school holidays.
“Our aim is to change the mindset of the children where we stay. Even if the child does not have a soccer boot they are welcome to come and join our team. We will find them boots. We help them with homework and after school programmes. Our aim is to fight crime,” said Mzobe.
Founder of non-profit Rootz, Elzmari Strydom said the goal is to introduce basic skills and treats while the children compete during the monthly tournaments that will take place until the end of the year.
With the support of Salt Employee Benefits, Strydom said Rootz were able to introduce after-care primary school activities and Seta training programmes to the community at Philippi Village.
“We do everything you can think of for kids. We start with the after-care programme. We also help them with CVs or applying for jobs online. Whatever the student might need, we want to provide it,” she said.
Salties five-a-side tournament kicks-off at 2pm at the Philippi Village Astroturf on Friday.
