Covid-19: The going has not been easy for BFC

With the pandemic affecting most individuals and institutions around the world with illness and financial strain, many will find the recovering process challenging to say the very least.

As the country nears the first anniversary since President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the national lockdown which officially got underway on March 26, 2020, the Advertiser has looked into how the pandemic and lockdown alike have affected the Boksburg Football Club (BFC).

According to the club, which shared the turn of events throughout the past year, the pandemic took several aspects from the club from bad to worse.
According to BFC treasurer Madelein Correia, the below statement is a reflection of how life has been at the Blues since lockdown.
“Before the lockdown, the club was barely surviving: we have big issues around the payment of subs, especially from a senior level, and there are quite a lot of players who simply cannot afford to pay subs although they are very talented.

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“We have the lowest subs and we try to accommodate and assist parents who cannot pay subs. We have had no sponsors for the last three years, other than one or two parents who would offer to sponsor a player or buy some equipment usually for the team in which their son/s are playing. Although we represent Boksburg, very few of the businesses around the CBD are willing to be sponsors.
“Before the lockdown, we had begun as usual prompting parents to pay subs to start doing the usual: buying uniforms (kit) for all the players, coaches and referees. We have to purchase equipment for training.

“Once the season kicks off, we have to pay registration to Easterns, firstly for the club then for each team and individual players.
“There are also expenses such as water and electricity, rentals and other miscellaneous charges.”

Losses due to Covid-19

“During lockdown, there have been no matches; however, many clubs have also paid registrations as the kick-off for the 2020 season was just about to happen. So registration fees paid will be carried over to 2021. However, we have suffered great losses and damages during the lockdown.

“Our goalposts were damaged and some went missing, so the club will need funds or sponsors urgently to fix and replace the damaged and missing goalposts. During training and some matches, we also need lights and most of the cables were stripped. We have already been told the town council does not have funds to fix or assist us in any way.”

Players need to be taken care of to succeed

“New kits will need to be ordered and although a few parents have already paid their subs for last year, we will not be increasing subs this year even when we are aware of the rise in prices for new kits for this year compared to last year.

“There is a lot of potential among our players; also the children are safe and well cared for while at training. We urge all possible sponsors to get in touch with either the Advertiser or with the committee members if they can provide sponsorship however small: each rand will make a difference in the lives of our youngsters. The season is about to kick-off and we will still accept new players to help grow and keep the club going.”

Anyone interested in contributing towards the club or anyone needing more information can also call club vice-chairperson Ernest Seforo on 079 721 6160.

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