After two months of healthy competitive street soccer, the curtain came down in Alexandra, Johannesburg announcing the ‘Mighty Young Ones’ from Soweto as Gauteng champions in the Kia Street Soccer Provincial final.
‘The Mighty Young Ones’ from Soweto beat the home team ‘Netherlands’ from Alexandra in an energy sapping final which showcased an abundance of talent and skill. The closely contested 2-1 scoreline ensured that the crowds that lined the pavement were kept in anticipation until the final whistle blew.
Whilst every player had one eye on the trophy, the real factor was the reward of every participant receiving a ticket to go watch a 2010 FIFA World CupTM match after completing the educational and round-robin stages of the programme.
Sponsor Kia Motors, in association with Foodzone, Lets Play and Sporting Chance were pleased with the outcome in the round-robin stages and playoffs which drew hundreds of locals from the community to the ‘street side’ in support of their young soccer stars.
Managing Director of Sporting Chance, Brad Bing and his team, who are the brains trust behind the project, have been thrilled by the skills all teams have shown over the past two months.
“This project has been very special for us in the year that see’s South Africa host the 2010 FIFA World CupTM and a special word of thanks must to go our sponsors, associates and partners. Kia Motors, Foodzone, Dischem, Orlando Pirates and Supersport United Football Club, have really made this project a memorable one in Gauteng and I am convinced that every child will remember this project for a long time,” said Bing.
“I’m glad the project can continue to see not only every child given the opportunity to witness history in being able to watch a 2010 FIFA World CupTM match, but also those children who showcased talent and impressed our PSL partners have been incorporated into their academy structures to hopefully develop into future professional players” commented Bing.
Local PSL teams Orlando Pirates and Supersport United have been visiting the various regions over the past two months and as part of their association in the Kia Street Soccer Project have committed to coach, mentor as well as scout for potential talent, of which some players have already been invited to their youth trials.
Augusto Palacios, the Youth Development Technical Director from Orlando Pirates and former Peru international player visited various areas and was extremely impressed by the local talent and support.
“To see the vuvuzela’s blowing and to hear the local people cheering whilst watching quality soccer, really showcases the importance that sport plays in this beautiful country,” said Palacios on a visit to Alexandra.
“This is what it is really about, to see these kids being given an opportunity to believe in themselves that maybe one day they can represent their country and play in one of South Africa’s magnificent soccer stadiums,” commented Palacious.
The Gauteng leg of the project makes up a total of seven teams from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Each team in the tournament is made up of six under 13 kids, of whom at least two are girls. All players must have attended school throughout the year prior to the start of the tournament and are encouraged to belong to the local sports club within their community.
