Tsakane – Samson Ndlovu is taking boys off the road and onto the field for their own safety.
After observing how young boys would play soccer in the street until late at night, Ndlovu decided to intervene.
“I can see that they are passionate and some of them are really good at it.
“And there is so much open land in the area that can be put to good use.”
Also read: Soccer helps youngsters prosper
He believes that it is not just unsafe for the boys to play in the streets but they may also be exposed to bad influences.
“They see the older boys smoking, and these are their role models.
“I think they need something good to focus on after school.”
The event and sponsorship special for international gas company Total decided to use his influence to assist his own community.
Also read: Soccer tournament to fight drugs
“I travel all over South Africa organising tournaments and equip young boys to make good decisions.
“But I have been overlooking my own community this whole time.”
Ndlovu then approached Jimmy Marima, chairperson of the Community Police Forum and one of the area committees.
“We have asked the metro to grant us permission to use the open space behind the houses.
“There is a lot of crime that happens there, and maybe it would decrease if we were busy there,” says Marima.
Together the men have started Extension 12 Youngstars, a soccer club.
“It is a development project.”
But they will not only be focussing on sport.
Garald Ngamlane, an education student at UNISA, has come on board to offer the boys extra classes.
“I’ve been tutoring many of my neighbours over the years.
“I think it is important to give them the best possible in their studies as well.”
Ndlovu says he was not impressed with the academic results of the surrounding schools.
“In our days no one used to fail a grade in primary school.
“But now the children are failing Grade Three,” he adds.
Ngamlane says their main challenge has been finding facilities to have the extra classes.
“We are approaching one of the schools in the area for a classroom to use after normal school hours.
“And we hope they will respond positively so we can start with the classes soon.”
Ndlovu received a donation of t-shirts, soccer jerseys and boots from Total.
The club is appealing to parents to give them full support while they groom the boys.
For any information about the project contact Jimmy Marima on 073 701 4674 or Jones Ngwenya on 083 764 6005.
