A World Cup with a Difference

Homeless World Cup 2009 kicks off

Eight Western Cape youths are heading for Milan, Italy hoping to score a series of wins that will bring back a very special World Cup to South Africa.

The team, all former street youths with a background in crime, alcohol and drug addiction, have been in training for more than six months. They will face tough competition from the 48 other teams and 500 players competing for the Homeless World Cup trophy.

A last minute funding issue and paperwork problems meant that the team nearly didn’t make it. But now that both are resolved, the team, plus trainer and manager, will lift off from Cape Town International on Thursday 3 September at 11am.

With just a week to go before they were set to leave for Milan, it seemed the boys’ soccer dreams would be shattered. The team lacked funding for air tickets to Milan and it seemed that they would not make it to the event. Luckily for the boys, London and Cape Town based Medical Staffing agency Ambition 24hours stepped in to fund their air tickets.

The team’s captain, Martin Africa, also experienced a last minute hitch with his passport which threatened his ability to embark on the trip. Jackie Englebrecht from Home Affairs came to the rescue to ensure that the captain could accompany the team to the tournament.

“We cannot believe we are going. This is a dream come true for all of us. Soccer has given me the belief to move forward with my life, and although we’re all a bit nervous of the flight, as none of us have left South Africa before, we are determined to score goals and win” said Martin Africa.

Both Martin and his team-mate Colin Davids are part of the MyLifE youth empowerment project in Cape Town. The organisation was determined to make sure the team took part in the Homeless World Cup tournament and made efforts to publicise the team to the Sunday Times and various other media agencies.

"We are so grateful for the support that has come through for the team to travel to Milan, and hope that others will give funding to secure the participation for future South African teams." says Mike.

The team members travelling to Milan are: Martin Africa (Capt), Colin Davids, Ephraim Maarman, Asanda Mini, Rushaad Grootboom, Thulisile Bolana, Cheslyn Jacobs and Siphiwe Mayesela.

They will be accompanied by coach Allan Lotz and manager Gavin Cohen.

For more information on the Homeless World cup go to homelessworldcup.org.

For more information on the MyLife organisation and their efforts in rehabilitating troubled youth in South Africa, visit mylife.co.za

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