THREE former professional soccer players have started a non-governmental organisation in Soweto to help with the development of the game at schools.
The trio, Bongani Phakathi, Tumelo Tshabalala and Nhlanhla Mahlangu, have formed the South African Soccer Initiative.
"We are using the project to plough back into the community now that we have hung up our soccer boots," said director Phakathi, a former Manning Rangers and SuperSport United player.
Tshabalala played for Rangers while Mahlangu was with Dynamos.
"We started with a soccer tournament for both boys and girls at schools in Senaoane, Phiri and Mapetla, hence the event is known as Sephima Schools Cup.
"This initiative is a community-driven project that endeavours to promote physical education amongst our youth using soccer as a tool.
"When some of us were growing up, Wednesdays were dedicated sports days at various schools in South African townships.
"Even the greats like Sugar Ray Xulu, Kaizer Motaung, Jomo Sono, Lucas Moripe, Lawrence Siyangaphi, William Makhura and Junior Ngobe were discovered at the school competitions."
Phakathi said they were working closely with the City of Johannesburg municipality district office, as well as the departments of sport and education.
"We are also using the tournament to keep children from the communities away from doing drugs and other criminal activities. We started with eight boys' teams and eight girls' teams. The finals will be played in Phiri on September 16."
Meanwhile, the Kasie seven-a-side tournament to celebrate Heritage Month will be played in Atteridgeville on September 24.
Organiser Moeketsi Moloto is inviting teams to take part. Phone Itu on 073-605-8461 or Tebby on 084-798-6578 for more information on the tournament.
Former pros not happy just sitting on sidelines
THREE former professional soccer players have started a non-governmental organisation in Soweto to help with the development of the game at schools.
The trio, Bongani Phakathi, Tumelo Tshabalala and Nhlanhla Mahlangu, have formed the South African Soccer Initiative.
"We are using the project to plough back into the community now that we have hung up our soccer boots," said director Phakathi, a former Manning Rangers and SuperSport United player.
Tshabalala played for Rangers while Mahlangu was with Dynamos.
"We started with a soccer tournament for both boys and girls at schools in Senaoane, Phiri and Mapetla, hence the event is known as Sephima Schools Cup.
"This initiative is a community-driven project that endeavours to promote physical education amongst our youth using soccer as a tool.
"When some of us were growing up, Wednesdays were dedicated sports days at various schools in South African townships.
"Even the greats like Sugar Ray Xulu, Kaizer Motaung, Jomo Sono, Lucas Moripe, Lawrence Siyangaphi, William Makhura and Junior Ngobe were discovered at the school competitions."
Phakathi said they were working closely with the City of Johannesburg municipality district office, as well as the departments of sport and education.
"We are also using the tournament to keep children from the communities away from doing drugs and other criminal activities. We started with eight boys' teams and eight girls' teams. The finals will be played in Phiri on September 16."
Meanwhile, the Kasie seven-a-side tournament to celebrate Heritage Month will be played in Atteridgeville on September 24.
Organiser Moeketsi Moloto is inviting teams to take part. Phone Itu on 073-605-8461 or Tebby on 084-798-6578 for more information on the tournament.
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