SM Legacy Foundation donates boots, balls to 25 players

In a concerted effort to assist football clubs in rural communities with equipment, the Solly Malatsi (SM) Legacy Foundation and Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa donated soccer boots and balls to 25 players from five teams as part of Boots and Balls for Kids initiative at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World on Monday.
Players who benefited from the initiative are affiliated to FC Boss Barcelona, CS Sports, Happy Stars Academy, Tsetse Fly FC and Ikageleng Primary School. The gathering attracted Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou, who urged the youngsters to juggle both education and sport to have a second option in the future.
SM Legacy Foundation Chairperson Solly Malatsi indicated that their main mission was to ensure that youngsters play on decent fields with proper gear. He further said the foundation started assisting clubs and schools three years ago and pledged that they will continue doing their best in ensuring that learners and aspiring athletes are taken care of. Malatsi encouraged the coaches and players to continue doing their best in shaping their respective communities through sport and concluded by thanking organisers of the event, the hosts and Taiwan Embassy for making the initiative a success.
Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa representative Matthew Wei-chung Chou stated that the Taiwanese government came on board after getting a request for sponsorship from Malatsi. He said Malatsi raised a concern of a shortage of sport equipment in the grass-roots level, adding that they saw this as a great initiative because the Taiwanese government knows the importance of young people in any country.
“The younger generation is the future of every country hence we always make sure that they are looked after for them to grow into better people and future leaders. Sport is one aspect that helps youth to excel in their studies as a result we are proud to be part of this. We will sponsor the foundation as long as there is still a need and we believe this partnership will help strengthen relations with the South African government,” Chou explained.
He joked by saying the Taiwan government was not trying to take the responsibility of the South African government but extending a helping hand were necessary. Chou encouraged youth to study hard because education was key and reiterated that they should also pay equal attention to sport to become the best they can possibly be.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za