Street soccer, the township culture

If you thought that street soccer is dead in the township, then you have to think again.

It is true that many soccer stars, especially those from the townships, first played their soccer on the streets before joining the small teams that existed in their communities and ended up playing professional football.

It is believed that playing soccer on the streets with friends, at times with no spectators, is where one gets practice and eventually realises that he was born to be a soccer star.

The Simunye five-a-side street soccer, founded by Sibusiso Zwane, is bringing back that exciting feeling of showcasing soccer skills on the streets, and this time there are spectators of all age groups.

The teams that play are from all the sections in KwaThema with players from the age of 16 and older.

They use an open space between the shops next to the KwaThema Customer Care Centre as their field to entertain those who are at Da Venue and the people who are passing by, while others leave their daily chores to watch as the players sweat to put their sections on top.

“Our aim is not only to bring entertainment, but we want to keep the youth healthy and busy especially during the weekends,” said Zwane.

Asaf Rantho, of Simunye five-a-side street soccer, explained his love for the soccer played on the street.

He said the one thing that he enjoys the most about it is the fact that it brings young and old residents together.

“We meet here every weekend with the purpose of being entertained and scouting for the talent that needs to be polished,” said Rantho.

One of the electrifying games played on Sunday was between the Extension Eight and Chappies FC.

The game, that ended on a 6-3 overall score in favour of Extension Eight FC, saw the winners playing against the Bahamas FC who beat them by 3-2.