The Volksrust Correctional Services hosted a soccer tournament on July 17 in celebration of Mandela Day.
This game was attended by the area commissioner of Bethal Correctional Services, Abel Mashaba.
It was the final round of the 4L Games League, where Liverpool of Volksrust Correctional Services and Inter Milan of Piet Retief Correctional Services took one another on.
The area co-ordinator of development and care, Domonic Zulu, encouraged the players during his speech when he said: “The purpose of our visit is to encourage inmates to take part in sport because it is therapeutic for their well-being.”
He said the goal of the tournament was to showcase the talent of the inmates and highlight this crucial part of the rehabilitation process.
According to the representative of the tournament, Sibusiso Simelane, the 4L Games League’s purpose is not only to improve sport but also to prepare inmates who only have six months or less left to serve for the world outside of correctional services.
“We will also look at creating job opportunities for inmates once they are released,” said Simelane.
He cautioned that this programme will not be extended towards inmates who were active members in gang activities, have records of violent crimes or have visible tattoos.
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The area commissioner committed to equipping all correctional services in the Bethal management area with soccer boots, beginning with Volksrust and Piet Retief.
The soccer players scored five goals within 90 minutes of the game.
Inter Milan scored the winning goal 10 minutes before the game ended and thus won the game with a final score of 3-2.
They received a soccer kit, floating trophy and gold medals while the players of the Liverpool team each received a silver medal.
