Former PSL stars give back through sport
Meet the group of South African soccer legends doing their bit to give back to Soweto football through sport
A group of South African soccer veterans have taken the extraordinary step to give back to Soweto football through a soccer training programme.
The former Premier Soccer League stars conduct training sessions twice a week at the Elkah Stadium in Rockville, Soweto during holiday seasons. Youngsters of all ages are welcome and the sessions are completely free of charge.
The initiative is a joint partnership by the veterans and Global United FC, a German based international non-profit organisation which supports group and individual projects around the world.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Cyril Nzama gathered several of his former colleagues, of which include the likes of, Stanton Fredericks, Fabian McCarthy, Sibusiso Nhlapho, as well some local coaches to be part of the initiative.
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According to the former Amakhosi captain, the programme aims to keep youngsters off the streets during the holiday’s season and empower local coaches.
“Everyone knows youngsters get into trouble during the holiday season, we keep them busy while teaching them useful soccer and social skills,” said Nzama.
“I invited some of the guys I’ve worked with, and thankfully they came through, We also invited some of the area’s local coaches because it is important to empower them as well; we are all part of the same team with the same objective; to groom these youngsters.”
Upon arrival on the field, the players are put through their paces by Cyril and his coaching team. The coaches employ a parental on approach towards the training. Regularly pausing the drills to engage with the young players, whether it be to explain the purpose of a drill, or offer advice.
15 year old Tebogo Mabirimisa from Chiawelo, said that he enjoyed the sessions and had learnt a lot from the veterans.
“I only started last week but the experience has been great, the coaches teach us a lot and are always talking to us which makes the training sessions more enjoyable.
“They (the coaches) teach us everything, about soccer and how to behave off the field,” said Mabirimisa.
Sibusiso Nhlapho, one of the coaches involved, said that it was important for youngsters to get an opportunity he and some of his peers never had.
“While we were growing up, we never saw our sports heroes; they never came to the townships, let alone even talk to us. So that’s why we are bringing football to the township, we want to give these boys that exposure which will  hopefully give them the confidence to go all the way and make it to the national team.”
While the all youngsters who came out for the holiday sessions would undoubtedly love to replicate the success of the likes of Cyril Nzama, the man himself, cautioned the players against putting all their eggs in one bag.
“We’ve been in the game for years; we have done it all and seen enough to know that the reality of life is, things don’t always go according to plan.
“So we are also trying to equip these boys with the social qualities that will help them even in other careers. It is important that they explore alternative careers as well.”
On hopes for the future, Nzama said he would like to see the project expand into other areas as well.
“We have received great support from Global United FC and we are looking to get more support involved, we are in the process of registering as an NGO, because it is not just Soweto, all over the country they are young boys who need this chance,” said Nzama.
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