All kitted up with nowhere to go
2010-09-16 14:13
Cape Town - Sixty-four national teams are in the line-up for the Homeless Soccer World Cup 2010 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, kicking off this coming Sunday, but the South African team might not make it due to lack of funds.
"The catering and accommodation is sorted, but we still need about R200 000 to cover plane tickets and other subsistence," said Clifford Martinus, the director of South African Homeless Street Soccer.
"We were supposed to leave on Friday. Saturday at the latest to play our first game on Sunday."
The South African Homeless Team has been present at every Homeless World Cup to date since it first started in 2003. Last year the SA team was also struggling to attain necessary funds, but made it just in time, a week before they were set to leave for Milan.
"Ambition 24hrs did the airfare, From US with Love assisted us with clothing and the department of cultural affairs and sports helped us out with subsistence money," said Martinus about last year's support.
Ranked 17 worldwide
In Milan, the South African Homeless team was ranked as number 17 worldwide and they won the Milan City Cup. Upon return to Cape Town the players were welcomed by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Winnie Madikela-Mandela. But, in spite of their results, Martinus admitted that it has been harder to find support for this years trip to Brazil.
"So far Hummel Africa will do kit and tracksuits, but that's it," he said. "We've sent emails to the department of cultural affairs and sports, but they haven't replied."
Recently Martinus appeared on Zoopy TV, connected to the online social media community zoopy.com, in an attempt to call on new corporates, but without any luck.
South African Homeless Street Soccer aims to keep homeless people off the street and away from peer pressure through soccer. They are now crossing their fingers that the government will come through to assist their players in reaching their dreams of playing on the world stage.
"The other night Social Development Minister Patricia de Lille called me directly to see where we stand and yesterday she arranged for the Director General of SRSA (Sport and Recreation SA) Vernie Petersen to contact me," said Martinus.
'Future leaders'
"Among these youth we have definite leaders for the future," explained Martinus, giving credit to the players who he described as "determined to compete and represent their country", but also mature in understanding their current situation.
"To be honest I would feel disappointed if we don't make it," said Lukanyo Mjoka, 24, one of the players who has been struggling to stay off the street since 2004. 'Though I always try to stay positive, I must also have room for disappointment. But, I guess there is always next year if we don't make it right?"
When asked about how he would feel if his team does not make it to Brazil, he couldn't help but reminisce the feeling he had when he was accepted to the team earlier this year; "It was quite fantastic. Overwhelming. Whenever I am given a chance, I want to do my best."
The department of cultural affairs and sport in the Western Cape could not be reached for comment.