Will the new football club in Rdpt spark rivalry?

Like in many other parts in the world, the establishment of one football club in a city could spark a long and fierce rivalry.

This could be the case in Roodepoort for years to come after West Rand United Football Club (FC) officially decided to creep out of their shells.

Established in 2013 and with Cecil Payne Stadium in Maraisburg their home ground, West Rand United FC is now one of two football clubs in Roodepoort – the other being Florida Albion FC (Florida) – to be affiliated to the Rand Central Local Football Association (RCLFA), which is affiliated to the South African Football Association (Safa). This means that in future the two Roodepoort clubs could lock horns on the field regularly and annually.

With the league only commencing in mid-May, the club is calling on eager footballers to join the united family. A registration day (for youngsters between the ages six and 15) is to be on Saturday 8 February on their home ground from 10am to 2pm. Pre-season practice is already under way on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm to 7pm.

But who are they, and what do they stand for?

Warren Matthews, chairperson of the club says that, “Our vision is to foster a culture for players to excel and explore their potential, moving from ordinary to extraordinary in their quest to become future stars. Our mission is to establish an environment and platform for players to deliver to their best potential and in so doing provide the framework for the development of players in achieving high performance.”

With the slogan, “de ordinarius ut eximius” meaning from ordinary to extraordinary the club’s official kit colour is black, white and yellow.

Asked why the club was formed, Warren says that, “We as a group of parents decided that we must keep on developing our children and as parents stay involved with the players for as long as possible to ensure that our youth stays on the right path.

“Parent visibility and just being there with the child / children when they play are so important to their growth.”

Asked what makes them different from any other club on the West Rand, Warren replies, “The fact that we care for all our players, their development and allow them to have fun at all times; the camaraderie among players and parents. The main thing is the parent involvement, keeping the boys and girls on the right path.”

Club committee:

• Vice Chairperson: Sedick Arendse

• Secretary / Admin: Dale September

• Treasurer: David Jacobs

• Club convenor: Grant Merckel

• Additional member: Neville Roebeck

Club details

• Contact numbers: Warren on 082 552 2863 or Dale on 074 389 1798

• Official club website: (www. westrandunitedfc.co.za) https://m.westrandunitedfc.co.za/

• Email: sherenem@telkomsa.com

• facebook: west rand united fc

• twitter: @westrandunited

• Whatsapp group: – West Rand United FC