HUNDREDS of elderly people are to benefit from free cataract operations.

This was after three organisations working in the field of eye care were handed over the proceeds of Vodacom's Goals for Miracles Campaign.

The Pretoria Eye Institute, Netcare Vodacom Sight for You and the South African National Council for the Blind were yesterday presented with a cheque of R2,9million to cover the costs.

The money was raised from goals scored during the 2008 Vodacom challenge and 2008/2009 Absa Premier Soccer League season by Orlando Pirates, Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs.

Goals scored during the Vodacom Challenge raised R450000 while PSL goals raised R2,480million.

Chiefs vice-captain Tinashe Nengomasha said initiatives like this were very important for soccer players because they motivate them to perform better. "We are touched to help the less privileged and we are definitely going to score more goals.

Pirates midfielder Dikgang Mabalane said: "It's during events like this where you realise the importance of the job you are doing."

Vodacom Foundation chairperson Mthobi Tyamzashe said the Goals for Miracles Campaign had enabled soccer players to help underprivileged senior citizens through their goals scoring efforts.

This month, The Pretoria Eye Institute will be testing and performing operations on 450 patients, Netcare Vodacom Sight for You will operate 350 and the South African National Council for the Blind will operate 275 patients.