Using sport to build communities

Tsakani – Local soccer club, Simunye Football Club has had an ongoing friendship with the Chairman of the Munich District of Bavarian Football Association Bernhard Slawinski from Germany that has turned into a beautiful partnership focusing on developing sport within Tsakani and empowering the community.
Together they have started a food gardening in Tsakani and continue to develop soccer and groom young players in the township.

Learners at Shadrack Primary showered with books, school shoes and love

Adding to the partnership is the Ingaqayizele Sports Management founder Votile Jack who is also the administrator for the Brakpan Local Football Association, together with Shadrack Mbambo Primary School.
“I was introduced to the team by co-founder Tando “Don” Gqadi, whom unfortunately died in April.
“I am still very much saddened that I could not attend his funeral due to the lockdown.
“However, my involvement with Simunye Football Club started after my first trip to South Africa, after I met Donald at a hotel in Boksburg, where he was working as a barman.
“I was very inspired to see such an ordinary guy committed to give back to his community by taking in these young children and grooming them,” explained Slawinski.

Brakpan Local Football Association senior games continue

He stated that this was the beginning of a profound friendship.
“My first visit to Tsakani came after I had donated soccer kit and a couple of equipment for the club, which was welcomed with open arms by the community and club members.
“I had such a wonderful experience exploring the township, learning about different cultures and spending time with the people of Tsakani,” He added.

Young people continue to fight food insecurity

The gardening was added as a solution to curb food insecurity under lockdown.
“We have been running a soup kitchen in partnership with Sendlalelo Caring non-profit organisation to assist our community with food during such difficult times.
“The garden was to ensure that our soup kitchen remains sustainable, through the npo we have also distributed food parcels.
“Working with Slawinski has been amazing, he is our team advisor, supporter and he has been rising funds to help wherever possible, which we highly welcomed as the club,” said Simnuye FC coach Timothy Maposa.
“My goal is to help create a better world, which is why more initiatives of this nature will come to life with the help of my friends, Votile Jack and Timothy Maposa as they are pillars within their communities.