Protea Club hosts tournament
EMMARENTIA – Protea club is changing the face of South Africa through building community soccer teams.
Protea Club in Emmarentia recently celebrated the launch of the Protea 5-a-side Soccer Community Sporting project which is aimed at combating social issues.
This launch was held through a tournament as teams went all out in the heat after the prize money offered by the club.
The tournament ended In a 6–3 win for G.O.A.T (Greatest of all Times), who played against the newbies StonerZ.
“The quality of soccer was top-notch and spectators were well entertained. The matches were played in true sporting spirit despite its competitive nature,” said Dr Gulam Karim of Protea Club.
The prize money was R4 000 for the winners and R1 500 for the runners-up.
The Protea Club intends to deepen democracy in South Africa with this initiative.
“It is quite clear that despite all the efforts in the last 20 years, we still have a veil between communities, divided either by colour, ethnicity, religion and political polarisation. Our effort is concentrating on transcending all these barriers in building sustainable, integrated and cohesive communities, creating a family environment, in order to rekindle good values in both individuals and society at large,” said Karim.
According to Karim, corporate and social leagues are being structured by the club to accommodate all who are interested in playing. A junior league is also in the books.
Protea’s Rashid Malek said the club has undertaken a social programme for children from disadvantaged communities where special coaching classes and matches will be played on Saturday mornings.
“We wish to make a difference for the youth, who have the need and passion to make that difference, by providing a venue that will provide not only 5-a-side soccer, but also to assist and influence them to become ambassadors in promoting clean and healthy lifestyles,” he said.
The club embarks on a plan to encourage social integration, instil healthy minds and healthy bodies and – more importantly – to get children off the streets.
“Some progress is being made in encouraging disadvantaged children, especially the homeless and the orphans, to participate in structured league games and sponsors are encouraged to contribute toward these programmes, as part of their commitment towards social development and creating opportunities for them,” he added.
According to Malek, the club is ideal in creating team spirit and team building.
