Durban’s beach soccer player shares New Year’s goals
Philani Gumede, a talented beach soccer player, donates at least 20 soccer balls to youth in underprivileged areas each year.
PROFESSIONAL beach soccer player, Philani Gumede’s goal for the New Year is to share his knowledge of the game with younger players.
The Durban resident recently participated in the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship, at New Beach, as a coach for the South African team.
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”Being involved in the set up is a step in the right direction for me. In the next five years I hope to reach more goals and foster a love for beach soccer,” he said.
This 42-year-old began his soccer career in 2004. His participation was integral to the eThekwini Municipality boys’ soccer team winning the SALGA Games and receiving the championship title.
He was then selected for the national team which competed in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Brazil in 2005.
Gumede said he now hopes to inspire the youth to participate in the sport.
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“I donate 20 soccer balls every year to players from disadvantaged areas. I want to increase access to the sport, but also foster a love for beach soccer,” he said.
He added that soccer gave him opportunities to travel internationally and learn more about sport.
“I realise that the sport demands talent and fitness levels and also a particular skill set. Playing on the sand is not easy and, if we start with the younger generation, we will be able to get stronger and more competitive. My hope is we become a world power in beach soccer one day,” he said.
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