Football helps to sooth ‘disturbed’ hearts
ALEXANDRA – Football offers youngsters an opportunity to learn to solve matters peacefully without having to resort to violence, says Rammoni.
Malandela Mighty Heroes coach Vincent ‘Young Master’ Rammoni believed the easing of Covid-19 restrictions would positively impact the high incidents of gender-based violence and child abuse in Alexandra.
Rammoni was speaking to Alex News ahead of the team’s ‘tsunami derby’ against Black Poison on the weekend of April 2.
“As more and more sporting activities return to the fields of play, we will begin to experience a decline in the incidents of domestic violence. Already people in Alex are beginning to tickle into stadiums to watch football and other sporting codes and this is a welcome move.
“Sports, and football in particular, play a major role in soothing the disturbed hearts and that will translate in a drop in gender-based violence,” said Rammoni, whose team commands a huge following in the township.
Rammoni hoped their supporters would come in their numbers to cheer their boys in the final derby of the SAB League which would also decide who bags the championship this season between the two Alex teams.
The coach, who is also known as ‘Pep Guardiola’ after the Manchester City manager, described himself as not just a football coach but a life coach as well. “I spend a lot of time with these boys coaching them football and life. Football offers these youngsters an opportunity to learn to solve matters peacefully without having to resort to violence.
“This is evident in their conduct in the field of play. Even if a referee makes a wrong decision, my players never remonstrate with the referee. They just accept the decision and continue with their game. This is the impact we are having on them as the technical team.”
Rammoni also bemoaned the current wave of attacks on foreign nationals. “If we teach them young, we can be assured that generations to come will live peacefully with other members of the global community.”
