DIEPKLOOF, SOWETO — A football legend faced a tough line of opponents on Wednesday 8 October, but for once, the scoreboard wasn’t the main focus.
Former Manchester United and Dutch national goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar kicked off the launch of two new, state-of-the-art Cruyff Courts in South Africa by taking penalties against local children in Diepkloof. While the occasion was marked by star power and the thrill of the game, the mission behind the pitch is far greater than soccer.
The world-class Cruyff Courts, launched in collaboration between the South African NPO Rhiza Babuyile and the Johan Cruyff Foundation, are designed as safe, structured hubs for development in underserved communities. Football, in this context, is merely “the doorway.”
Beyond the game: nurturing leaders
The core purpose of the courts is to provide structured programmes that teach crucial life skills: discipline, teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, and focus.
“When we revisit the previous courts we’ve launched in other areas, the difference is clear,” said Alef Meulenberg, founder of the Rhiza Foundation. “Kids who had no structured opportunities are now confident, collaborative, and developing leadership skills. Football is the doorway, but the real outcome is resilience, problem-solving, and focus, which are skills that last a lifetime.”
The initiative goes beyond simple recreation. It aims to nurture active, responsible, and community-minded young people. Each facility will host football sessions, tournaments, and workshops addressing pressing societal issues, including gang violence, drug abuse, and gender inequality, while also ensuring inclusive spaces for children with disabilities.
Meulenberg, himself a former professional basketball player, emphasised the long-term impact. “Most of us never reached the top leagues, but the discipline, humility, and teamwork we learned carried into every part of our careers and lives. That’s exactly what these courts are built to teach.”
Global recognition and local roots
The new courts, in Diepkloof and George (Western Cape), were strategically chosen based on the strength of local partners who can ensure their sustainability. The Diepkloof court operates with the Zodwa Khoza Foundation, and the George facility, which opens Sunday, will partner with Empower. Both local organisations bring extensive experience, ensuring the courts are deeply integrated into the social fabric of their neighbourhoods.
The presence of a global figure like Van der Sar, who is also a board member of the Cruyff Foundation, adds significant weight and inspiration.
“Having someone of his calibre here isn’t just about meeting a football star,” Meulenberg added. “It shows the children that global talent recognises their potential, that their communities are seen, and that these opportunities are real.”
Van der Sar himself spoke of the broader impact. “Every young person deserves a safe place to play sports. Here in the township of Diepkloof, the Cruyff Court offers more than just a pitch— it offers hope, connection and opportunity.”
Investing in South Africa’s future
The initiative is a significant investment in South Africa’s youth, despite the nation’s persistent inequality. “South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world, but its young people are resilient,” Meulenberg said. “Every session, every practice, every lesson learned here is an investment in the country’s future.”
This latest collaboration, following the first international Cruyff Court in 2004, underscores a shared commitment to youth empowerment.
“Our goal is not just to build courts,” Meulenberg concluded. “It’s to build communities, nurture leaders, and give children the tools to shape a better future. These courts are proof that investing in youth in South Africa isn’t charity. It’s essential, and it works.”
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