Daniel Plaks shoots at goal before Ricki Tatz is able to stop him. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
If you are ever in need of a football fix, grab your friends and head down to the Waverley Sports Club.
Five-a-side soccer is alive and well here, with two pitches jam-packed every weekday evening, and throughout the weekend.
Zev Blieden looks for a way to get the ball away from Ricki Tatz during a social game. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
General manager of the club, Richard Khumalo explained that while the club does not compete in leagues or tournaments, the social side of the soccer is very strong, and can get extremely competitive.
“We have a great atmosphere, with a bar and braais going on,” he said. “People play every day and night because we have floodlights.”
This group of friends has been playing five-a-side soccer at Waverley Sports Club since 2005. Photo: Nicholas ZaalFriends enjoy a few drinks together after a good game of five-a-side soccer at Waverley Sports Club. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Neville Gxumisa and his friends have been playing at the club nearly every week for 12 years.
“It is fun to keep fit and play among friends,” he said, joking that they are competitive and hype each other up.
“We can get a bit noisy.”
Lior Lanzer keeps the ball away from Martin Smith during a social game of five-a-side soccer. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Kingsley Afolabi said the group often braais after a good game and cracks open a cold one together.
Khumalo invited anyone interested to book a slot to play soccer with their friends or colleagues.
“We also hold functions, wedding receptions and birthdays.”