The Kia Street Soccer project, in association with Foodzone and Sporting Chance were pleased to welcome former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker to Kwa Mashu during the third round of the Kia Street Soccer Project.
The coach from local PSL team AmaZulu Football Club made an appearance and witnessed the local talent played on the streets in the region of Kwa Mashu in KwaZulu-Natal. As part of their association in the Kia Street Soccer Project, all PSL teams have committed to coach, mentor as well as scout for potential players and filter them into their development structures.
Barker addressed the children, coaching staff and media about the importance of education, life skills and sport . He was extremely impressed with the various levels that balance the make up the inaugural Kia Street Soccer Project, which is made up of an educational aspect, the soccer leagues and then the tickets for each child to watch a FIFA World CupTM match.
“It’s fantastic to see so many aspiring young children take part in an initiative of this nature. With so much support on the streets in the communities, It’s great to see the passion for the game at all levels,” said Barker.
Project Manager of the Kia Street Soccer Project, Natalie Pollock was excited to see one of the icons of South African soccer getting actively involved in the community action as it definitely has an impact on the children, coaches and co-ordinators.
“Clive Barker is well respected in various soccer circles around the world, and to have him here on the streets during the Kia Street Soccer project interacting with the community is a huge opportunity for all,” said Pollock.
“The partnership with local PSL teams in the four regions around the country is a huge asset to the project, as it is the ideal platform to identify real talent off the streets, and give them the opportunity to be slotted into the professional set-up,” commented Pollock.