A group of local young men hailing from Lotus River, Grassy Park, Ottery and Phumlani Village are hoping they qualify to compete and represent the national team on foreign soil for next year’s Homeless World Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Mexico City next year and runs from Sunday 17 January to Saturday 23 January.
Opportunity
The Homeless World Cup is an annual inter-national street football tournament organised by the Homeless World Cup Foundation to advocate for and support people experiencing homelessness.
More than 500 players from across the globe will take part in this tournament next year. The 30 young men could be representing a Schaapkraal-based non-profit organisation (NPO) Oasis “Reach For Your Dreams”, at the tournament next year according to Oasis founder, Clifford Martinus.
Oasis provides life skills training, violence prevention programmes and community upliftment to at-risk youth.
People’s Post spoke with some of the players to learn about their journeys and personal challenges leading up to the tournament.
Journeys
For Siphosethu Dyakophi the beautiful game serves as a vital shield against the dangers of gang recruitment.
“Being unemployed is the biggest challenge, but I always find soccer helped me not to get involved in gangsterism. I want to travel and fight for my place in South Africa and make my parents proud,” he said.
For Luyolo Thomas, who has faced severe family hardship and unemployment in the Eastern Cape, the World Cup trials offered a safe space away from crimes of desperation.
“To represent my country, it would boost my confidence and improve my opportunities and capabilities on the football pitch. No matter what situation we are in, we must keep doing the right thing and don’t fall down,” Thomas shared, noting that a spot on the pitch would vastly boost his confidence.
Yonela from Langa viewed the selection as an unexpected second chance at life after being ineligible a decade ago.
Recently, the City of Cape Town announced that it is strengthening its partnership with Oasis Reach For Your Dreams through the Homeless World Cup programme.
Oasis has coordinated Cape Town’s participation in the Homeless World Cup programme for many years, creating opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness to participate in soccer at local and international level, the City said.
This year marks an important development in the programme, with Oasis collaborating more closely with the City as part of Cape Town’s broader Strategy to Reduce Rough Sleeping and its commitment as a Vanguard City Programme, the City added.
“The strategy recognises that responding to homelessness requires more than providing temporary accommodation. Sustainable reintegration requires a person-centred approach that addresses the circumstances that contribute to homelessness while creating opportunities for people to rebuild confidence, relationships, skills and a sense of purpose. Sport can play an important role in this journey and the City is proud to support the Homeless World Cup,” said Macyo member for community services and health, Francine Higham.
Backed by strong family encouragement and inspired by coaches who previously played in the tournament, Yonela described the potential trip as an absolute dream come true.
Members of the public, corporate donors, or sports bodies who wish to assist with sponsorships, flights, or apparel donations are urged to get involved directly.
Phone Clifford Martinus at 082 945 4812 to support the team.
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