#MarkFish…fishing for talent in Hoedspruit!
Farm Portsmouth BJ Blyde which comprises of Laeveld Sitrus and Mahela was honoured to be a part of a ground-breaking venture between Limpopo farmers and the Mark Fish Foundation (MFF) on Youthday, June 16.
This project known as the Game of Stars aims to use the game of soccer to build relationships on farms, give hope to workers and youth, develop life skills and scout for soccer talent on farms and in rural areas in general.
Read: #MarkFishFoundation: Game of Stars Project launched
The initial survey amongst farmers in Limpopo drawn interest from no less than 80 existing farm soccer teams.
After the announcement indications are that this number may well double prior to the first finals to be played in August 2018.
According to Mark Fish, the shortened version of soccer, the project will be based upon, called “Fast Footie”, will grow spectator numbers.
The BJ Blyde soccer team under the Coach, Thomas Ringane, Assistant coach, Paul Khosa and Team Manager, Peter Mhlanga scheduled a soccer match between themselves and their neighbours, Unifrutti where Mark Fish introduced the new shorter version of the game of stars project to them, coached, gave a few tips along the way and refereed while they were playing.
“We are committed to develop and train team coaches, game officials, team managers and players alike,” Fish indicated.
“Although we are going to play soccer, we are focusing on the people and families involved with the game. Every individual deserves the chance to become the best person possible. This is our aim,” said Mark Fish, former Bafana Bafana soccer player.
BJ Blyde Hoedspruit was bought in April 2010 by Piet Vorster (Laeveld Sitrus) and Edward Vorster (Mahela), originally from Letsitele.
The current production consists of mainly citrus and mangoes.
They currently produce over one million export cartons of fruit per year.
BJ Blyde employs over 380 seasonal and 220 permanent people, under the management of Altus Geldenhuys and CEO Pieter Vorster.
“Our employees are very important to us, they are the key to any successful business. BJ Blyde strives to build a good relationship with their employees, to better the future of agriculture and to improve on a daily base,” stated Altus Geldenhuys, BJ Blyde citris farm, general manager.
“Sport and physical activity help develop the personal skills of individuals. Values such as tolerance, self-discipline, team spirit and strength of character are demanded, practised and promoted. In this way, sport serves as an indispensable educational tool, both in teenagers and adults and in the wider community. Sport can also play an important role in tackling some of the social challenges faced by society, including social exclusion, anti-social behaviour and alcohol and substance misuse,” added Geldenhuys.
