Soccer player Maake Edward wants to share his football skills with youngsters in order to change their lives.
Born in Limpopo, Maake said he is concerned by what he sees happening in the Jeppestown area.
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“Where I come from we are encouraged to work towards our goals and we are taught to respect the elders. But here in the city I see so much disrespect for elders and that is not right,” said Maake.
Based in Jeppestown, Maake started the Liverpool Football Club to help youngsters stay off the streets and away from drugs.
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“If a young person has nothing to do, his mind wonders and finds wrong things to engage in. I want these young boys to dream of a better life for themselves and not a life of crime and misery,” said Maake.
He started his team in July and has been recruiting players from 11 to 13 years old.
“I want to groom the young players to be responsible players. Soccer is more than just kicking a ball. In order to achieve the best you can be, you need to be disciplined, dedicated and respect other players and yourself,” said Maake.
Maake is unemployed but he says that has not discouraged him from giving his time to the boys and sharing his skill.
“I may be unemployed but that does not mean I cannot do anything. I can still give back. I’m using my talent to inspire my team. I saw the need for these youngsters to have something to commit to,” said Maake.
The team is in need of financial support, kits for the u-11 and u-13 teams as well as soccer balls.
“A kit would boost their confidence because they would be wearing the same colours to show we are united,” said Maake.
He said he has seen growth in the boys since July and he is proud of that.
“As a team, we have been doing well winning most of our friendly matches. We will also be participating in the next Joburg East Football Association league. I’m proud of my boys,” said Maake.
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