The Germiston Highlanders FC is calling out to the community and potential sponsors.
With 33 members and counting, the age group of the players ranges between 16 and 34.
The club is currently managed and coached by Mafa Dlamini, with the administrative assistance of Max Okafor.
Dlamini has been coaching the club for two years now, but it has been in existence since 2009.
“This club was not registered when I first met these boys,” said Dlamini.
“From what I gather, nobody really owns it, it was just a few boys who used to meet up and play the game amongst themselves.
“As their number increased, they came up with a name and played a few friendly games.”
Dlamini explained that, under his guidance, they managed to register the club and are currently playing in the Ekurhuleni Super League.
However, the club is facing a few constraints at the moment and would appreciate any form of assistance.
The players currently train on an open field along Power Street, in Delville.
“This place is not ideal, nor is it comfortable for us to use for training, because it is not level, there is a river on one side, and the other three sides are exposed to the street,” said Dlamini.
The coach also explained that, due to their surroundings, the players’ development is limited.
“Players can’t practise high or long distance shots, as we are afraid that the ball might go onto the streets and cause accidents; that is one of the challenges we are faced with during training,” said Dlamini.
The club has approached a number of facilities, like schools, but their attempts were unsuccessful, because of the the amount of money required, and the fact that they don’t have any form of sponsorship.
“We are not going to give up, though; we have discussed sponsorship and ways to raise funds and Max is busy working on us being granted access to practise at the Germiston Stadium,” said Dlamini.
They have made efforts to acquire other necessities, like a first aid kit.
Dlamini also told the GCN that, above all else, they would love to find a better training field, where they will effectively improve their skills.
He also mentioned that the goalkeepers are struggling, because they don’t have goal posts with which to familiarise themselves.
The other disadvantage is that the field on which they train has no lights, so their practise times are affected when seasons change.
Although the club has two different sets of kit, they usually save these for games, and they are hoping to get two more sets to use especially during training.
Two old soccer balls are used during training, with some of the players having shin guards and others playing without.
“We also need more equipment, as some our players train in uncomfortable shoes, because they are saving their proper soccer boots for games,” explained Dlamini.
Money to participate in tournaments and travelling costs come out of their own pockets.
However, all those challenges are not enough to bring down the morale of the players, who are fully committed to the game.
“That is what I love about these boys, they are not discouraged by the struggles, all they want to do is play the game, they truly are determined,” said Dlamini.
The high spirit of the players keeps encouraging more and more players to come and join the club.
“I am approached by new people, on a daily basis, who come to me asking to join the club,” Dlamini said.
“It fills my heart with joy, as I love football and enjoy watching them showcase their skills on the field.
“More people are welcome to come and join the club, and it also for this reason that we would be thrilled to finally have a proper venue on which to practise.”
The club practises from Tuesday to Friday, from 5pm to 6.30pm.
For more information contact Dlamini on 073 880 1097.
