Coach looks to the future
“I just had to start something to bring back their positivity.”
The u-15 Future Kids soccer team from Berea played a friendly match against Doornfontein FC on November 2 at Rhodes Park.
The Future Kids players started their first half leading the match, but Doornfontein fought back and claimed victory with a score of 3-2.
Coach Brian Manyara (36), who is the manager of Future Kids, said he started the team a few months ago after the outbreak of unrest in Malvern and Jeppestown in September.
The aim was to get children off the streets and get them involved in positive activities.
“I started the team and named it Future Kids because I believe the children of today are our future generation.
“After the September unrest in Joburg, some of the children who were victims of the attacks were unable to continue with school,” he said.
This did not sit well with him.
“I wanted to do something about it to assist the children who were mostly frightened and unable to go back to school.
“It hurt me when I saw children, who had left their home countries for South Africa to better their education, being targeted because of selfish people. I believe children are our future leaders and every child has the right to education. It was disturbing to see them suffer.
“I just had to start something to bring back their positivity.”
Manyara said the decision to start the team was the best decision he has ever made.
He has a passion for the well-being of children and also loves the beautiful game.
Manyara figured it could be a good initiative to get them off the streets.
“The team is all about education and life skills. It teaches them discipline, growth, humbleness and respect. The team’s aim is also to get them back to school.
“We try to show them that they can make it in life no matter how tough the circumstance are. We are all about winning and making it in life.”
The passionate coach was determined to get the children away from negative influences.
“Children witness violence and can turn violent and carry hatred. They end up doing something they will eventually regret.
“Their dreams get shattered with negative thinking and they think their lives do not matter.
“I have dealt with these children and some of them were emotional and they experienced trauma from the xenophobia and violence.
“Even though some of them will only return to school next year, I am happy with the amount of work and effort they put into the team. They know what is important for them.
“With perseverance and hard work they have learned to know this team is their home. We are looking forward to this festive season tournaments and we are ready for the next challenge on the field and in life,” said Manyara.
