THE family of the late Mzamo Mgolodela, a former teacher, made Christmas come early for Young Cosmos Football Club, when they donated soccer kits and balls to the team.
This donation was made in honour of the late Mzamo.
The team was started by a young man from the village of Mceula. The village is about 15km from Whittlesea.
Lulamile Ndlovu, founder and coach, said he had started the team as a means of helping the youth to make informed choices.
“After seeing these young lads chilling outside the shop and asking for small change from shoppers, I realised things could quickly get out of hand.
“The next thing would be robbing people. It was not easy starting this team. This kit will surely bring confidence to the boys,” Ndlovu said.
Speaking on behalf of the family at the handover, Ndlela Mgolodela said the family looked at what it could do after looking at community challenges.
He said it was painful to see the youth perish as a result of drugs and alcohol.
“As a family, we thought contributing to sport would help instil discipline to these young minds. Sport is one of the ways out of poverty and ill-discipline. This kit will give you pride. The road won’t be easy but you must persevere,” he said.
Community policing officer, Sergeant Dumile Ndlovu, said crime was rife in the area with schools being burgled.
He said the people who burgle were known to the public and should be reported to police.
“Once you get a criminal record, you will never secure a decent job. Don’t be afraid to do the right thing simply because you don’t want to be an outcast,” he said.
The club has U/12 and U/17 teams. They received 18 three-piece kits and two balls.
Motivational speaker and Cape Town club owner, Sandile Dlamini, said the youth should take advantage of the opportunity.
“As a team, you must work together and support each other on and off the field. You don’t know your future but sport will give you a chance. Progress starts here, you have been given a foundation.”
