South African street soccer team kicking it in Brazil

The South African Street Soccer team is in the second round of the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after finishing as number 2 in their group, beating Sweden 7-1.

“The guys are loving South America, and they’ve become really good friends with the team from Argentina. So whether they win or lose they’ll keep up the spirit of ubuntu,” said Linzi Thomas founder of MylifE, a foundation that works with at risk street youth and children. Three young men that they are assisting are currently on the team.

Last year the team returned from Milan, ranked 17th in the world, and brought home the Milan City Cup, but in spite of such good results the team was struggling to take their place among the 64 nations now participating in Brazil. Three days before the official kick off, they needed R200 000 to cover plane tickets and other costs. Last minute canvassing by Western Cape minister of social development, Patricia de Lille, secured a sponsorship from Cell C.

“Thank you to the lovely people who came on board on time,” said Vusumzi Shushu (27), while waiting to check-in at the Cape Town airport early on Saturday morning.

“It’s a privilege to carry our banner. And I’m thankful to those who have eyes to see what we can do. That we can reach our dreams and be successful.”

The team consists of eight players from four different organisations involved with youth development and their coach Thomas van Louw. Director of South African Homeless Street Soccer (SAHSS), Clifford Martinus, is also accompanying them.

They were all dressed in their South African colours on Saturday, and some were practicing a bit of Portuguese before take-off.

“Tudo bom,” said Lukanyo Mjoka (24), the captain of the team, portraying a big smile.

“We want to win the tournament and be the example for Bafana Bafana who is going to Brazil in 2014,” said Mthandazo Magatya (21).

The SA street soccer team representing South African in the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. From bottom left: Vusumzi Shushu, Lukhanyo Mjoka (Captain), Samson Getyengana, Muntahaar Pienaar. From upper left: Bongani Phiti, Sabelo Ndlovu, Tareq Slamdien, Mthandazo Magatya. (Photo:Tarjei Langeland)