Rhodes Park’s dusty football fields are always filled with children from different age groups playing soccer every weekend.
This has become a home to many local football clubs in Kensington and surrounding areas.
Hence, local resident and club owner Aubrey Motshwane, Slindokuhle Khathide, John Wilkinson and ANC PR councillor Alison Roberts decided to establish Joburg East Football Association (Jefa). Jefa represents 17 clubs with teams from U10 to U17.
Motshwane said, “These children come from different backgrounds and playing for the local clubs is all they have. But playing informally does not give them exposure, so with Jefa we hope we can afford them the opportunity to be recognised and play with purpose.”
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Hee said soccer is keeping these children off the streets and away from negative influences, which is why Jefa has been established to formalise the league and create a platform for children to grow. Motshwane said he hopes Jefa can inspire the children to dream big and aim to be professional players. “We have talent in Jefa and it needs to be nurtured and exposed. Through Jefa we hope we can make that happen.”
Starting an association is not without its hurdles. He said their biggest challenge, at the moment, is lack of resources. “The soccer fields are in a terrible condition and goal posts are falling apart. We don’t have money to fix such things. The little that we have as an association covers the administration work and the small things that are needed,” explained Motshwane.
John Wilkinson, who is part of Jefa’s interim committee, said the association is a start of great things to come. “We plan to register Jefa as a non-profit organisation later affiliated with Safa’s Local Football Association structures. We hope to be a stepping stone into the professional national leagues,” said Wilkinson. He said parents and the community should support the children in any way they can.
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Roberts’ involvement in Jefa stems from the initiative she works with from Jumpas informal settlement called Hi5Diski. “The association is starting to take shape and that is through hard work of the interim committee and coaches. We want this league to build future stars and we also want to create a platform where talent can be recognised,” said Roberts. She also added that the association needs support from the community and businesses in the area. “Some of the boys come from disadvantaged families and cannot even afford to buy soccer boots but the passion and talent are there. We want to be able to help in such cases. If you have old soccer boots or you would like to donate to the association we would appreciate the contribution,” concluded Roberts.
Details: Aubrey Motshwane 072 295 2078; PR councillor Alison Roberts 071 876 5029.
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