Briardene host Heritage Day soccer tourney

THE anticipation is palpable, the excitement at fever pitch, some teams take to doing skip jumps to loosen up, others prefer discussing tactics and who plays where. All the while, the organisers soccer balls are being pumped and prepared for the tournament.

The pitch is marked by warning tape, held down by little rocks. The sun is about to reach its zenith as the referee limbers up and puts the whistle to his mouth and blows.

The tournament begins and the first tackle comes in, connects with the ball, there is scant regard for their bare feet as a plume of dust shoots up off the rough, hardened pitch. It doesn’t seem to bother the players though.  The passion and spirit for the Beautiful Game is what does.

This was the scene at the Briardene Informal Settlement Heritage Day tournament which served up a smorgasbord of soccer entertainment.

Organised by the Briardene Youth Centre (BYC) and Durban Green Corridor, teams from as far afield as Kenville and Sea Cow Lake attended.

Bruce Zondi, a member of the BYC, said the event was about encouraging community involvement.

“We thought the best way to celebrate Heritage Day was host a soccer tournament. Sport helps contribute meaningfully towards the kids’ development.

“We know that by engaging in activities like this it assists the community to deal with all the ills of society including crime. It’s also about living healthy lifestyles,” he said.