A KOMANI-BASED football team with no formal funding has made it easier to breathe for two struggling families, when the team raised funds to buy groceries.
Both families, with 13 members between them, each live on single old-age grants.
The team, Endaweni Football Club, makes money only through playing tournaments on Sundays. A weekly win is not a guarantee, as there are nine teams participating in the tournaments.
Seeing the worsening conditions of the two families, the team had to dig deep.
Speaking on behalf of one of the families that benefited, Ntombizodwa Mfobela, said she was living with her grandfather, mother and her five children. The 37-year-old believes her prospects of finding a job are slim to none.
“No one works in our family and we depend on one old age grant. Food always runs out during the month and we are left with nothing,” said Ntombizodwa. “We are grateful for this donation. The team has no idea of how much they have impacted on and saved us. We can never forget what they did.”
Thobeka Nekile (59) lives with her mother and four children. The only source of income is the old-age grant.
“This food will make a big difference in my family. We can never thank the players enough for their generosity,” said Tobeka.
Endaweni Football Club spokesperson, Sinethemba Femele, said the team wanted to focus on community building while they enjoyed the beautiful game of football.
“We want to help change the lives of the young men who are doing drugs and crime as a result. We want to show them there is an alternative and as we grow old, this team must not end. The younger generation must come and take over,” he said.
Femele appealed to local business and individuals to help as they would like to touch more lives. Anyone who wants to assist can contact him directly on 071 036 4824 or Sphiwo Peter on 078 823 6791.
