After that unforgettable opening weekend, our team then went our separate ways to take on the various regional co-ordinator duties for the Ticket Fund:

Gauteng (Johannesburg & Pretoria):

 Sporting Chancer – Wonga Matshabane will be calling Johannesburg ‘home’ for the whole month of the World Cup and his time in the Golden City got off to a great start. When he arrived on Thursday 10^th July he was loaned a fantastic soccer ball branded Kia Picanto from the Kia head office for the duration of his stay. Pimped out in true style, he even has all the stadium officials conned into believing he’s the ultimate VIP.

 In the 10 days since ‘kick off’ Wonga and his helpers have attended and taken over 1000 Kia Street Soccer participants to the respective matches at Soccer City, Ellis Park and Pretoria Stadium:

 The children and coaches from the Kia Street Soccer project in the outlying Johannesburg community of Orange Farm got to see the Dutch start their World Cup campaign against Denmark at the giant Calabash of Soccer City.

 The Soweto and Tshepisong Kia Street Soccer participants were in for an equal treat as they witnessed the masters in action at Soccer City when Argentina defeated Korea Republic. 

 Across Johannesburg to Ellis Park, where the Alexandra Kia Street Soccer participants were fortunate to witness one of the best matches of the pool stage as USA and Slovenia played out to a 2-2 draw.   

 In Pretoria the Kia Street Soccer community of Shoshanguve got to be a part of a rear African team win as Ghana defeated Serbia at Pretoria Stadium.

 I have joined Wonga in Joburg this week and in the days ahead the Kia Street Soccer communities of Riverlea and Atteridgeville will get their chance to ‘say I was there in 2010’ as they attend the respective matches.

Durban:

 Us Sporting Chancers – Mark Khoabane and I headed off early last week to Durban hoping for the warm weather that all the World Cup advertising campaigns were promising for Durban.

 We started off with a full house of 500 Kia Ticket Fund recipients as we took the Kia Street Soccer regions of Phoenix, Kwa Mashu and Inanda to the Spain vs. Switzerland match at the spectacular Moses Mabhida stadium. The surprise result kept the children and coaches enticed right to the last minute.

 A few days later it was time for the Kia Street Soccer participants of Umlazi and Lamontville to have their turn. On a magnificent day in Durban we sat in perfect seats behind the goals in awe of the atmosphere and sights of this auspicious occasion. An excellent match, right from kick off with the masses of Orange fans leaving pleased as the Netherlands  defeated Japan.   

 The Chatsworth Kia Street Soccer community will get their chance this week when Nigeria takes on Korea Republic on Tuesday.

Cape Town:

 Sporting Chancer – Bradlyn Stuurman has been taking charge of the Kia Ticket Fund in Cape Town. Despite the cold and rainy conditions the Kia Street Soccer participants have certainly not been deterred and they have all relished the opportunity to be a part of this ‘once in a lifetime experience!’

 The Kia Street Soccer community of Langa were privileged to be at Cape Town stadium as France took on Uruguay in the second match of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

 The Nyanga children and coaches watched the defending champions in action when they started their campaign against Paraguay.

 In a tournament that has produced few high scoring matches so far, it was an absolute treat for the Kia Stet Soccer participants of Khayelitsha, Manenberg and Mitchell’s Plain to see Portugal trounce Korea DPR in a 7-0 thriller.

 The Kia Street Soccer communities of Gugulethu and Athlone eagerly await their opportunity to be a part of this historic occasion at the match later this week.

Overall:

 If the past 10 days are anything to go bye we can already say the Kia Ticket Fund programme has been an incredible success. The over 1000 children and coaches in Gauteng, over 900 in Durban and over 700 in Cape Town have been overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the opportunity afforded to them.

 To see the excitement on the children’s faces when you give them their ticket and snack pack is inspiring, and to watch their intrigue and absorption in each minute of the matches it what this experience is all about!

 “I didn’t let myself believe we were going to go to the actual World Cup and then I got my Kia ticket pocket, snack pack and a real 2010 FIFA World Cup ticket and I realised it was happening. I had a seat behind the goals and I saw Torres. Wow, Thank you so much, I will remember this day forever!” – Majesty Chetty (Phoenix)  

Despite the country taking a huge knock with the disappointment of Bafana Bafana’s performance last week, we together with the whole country will be proudly yellow and green as we stand behind our team for their last pool match.  

We look forward to more upcoming adventures as we continue to roll out the Kia Ticket Fund…

And WOW, so far haven’t we proved the cynics wrong?

As time flew bye and those countdown clocks ticked on, our inspirational Local Organising Committee and FIFA started to tick all their necessary boxes. In the past few weeks it has

The fly over

dawned on the majority of South Africa that the long awaited and much talked about 2010 FIFA World Cup is actually here!

Our rainbow nation kicked into another gear, as the true spirit of ‘ubuntu’ and patriotism set in and we all embraced the opportunity to showcase our beautiful country on the largest

stage.

Ingenious entrepreneurs sprung up with any idea that displayed the SA flag… Car mirror covers, window flags, car magnets, makaraba’s and vuvuzela’s are at every street corner waiting to be owned and paraded proudly. Bafana Bafana merchandise has never been so popular and prices have soared as everyone wants to be a part of the yellow and green phenomenon. ‘Football Fridays’ started it all, but would we believe it would grow to this extent and mobilize our nation?

The Sporting Chancers

During our Sporting Chance projects we always talk about the ‘sense of belonging’ and how important it is to the children in our communities. Now we too are striving for that sense of belonging along over 49 million other South African’s. We are proud to be South African and let’s enjoy this magnificent global event and all that’s it’s bringing to our country!

The Sporting Chance 2010 FIFA World Cup adventure began on Friday 11^th June 2010. The world held its breath as the first ever FIFA World Cup was to be kicked off on African soil and the Sporting Chance team can very proudly say “we were there”!

It’s been a busy and harrowing last few months, but we can definitely say the hard work has paid off. Amongst the 84 000 fans that packed the giant Calabash of Soccer City we were there  clad in our Bafana Bafana gear and blowing our vuvuzela’s. What a privilege to be there to witness one of South Africa’s proudest moments. Just one scan around the massive stadium made you realize just how much the 2010 FIFA World Cup has united our rainbow nation. The stadium was yellow with patches of green and the odd section of Mexicans proudly waving their flags and sombreros’. Despite being in high spirits those Mexicans could only feel overwhelmed by the force of not only once country, but the whole African continent stacked against them.

The opening ceremony was short, but had a distinctive African flavour. We were perhaps expecting a bit more extreme choreography and fireworks, but if you saw the excitement of the children as they had finished their routine, you’ll know it achieved its objectives.

Opening ceremony

The wait in between the opening and the match was agonizing, but it gave us all an opportunity to try and take it all in – look around us and see the joy, excitement and anticipation in everybody’s eyes. Most of us were just coming to terms with having the privilege of being there as we attempted to appreciate this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.

Then ‘the boys’ as their Bafnana Bafana translation states came out for their warm up and you could no longer try and think, just blow on your vuvuzela and scream hysterically.

Mark & Brad

While the teams retreated to their change rooms for final preparations we stacked up on drinks and refreshments in anticipation for not wanting to leave our seats when the action began.

The teams were lead out onto the field with the player mascots alongside them. For everyone who was walking onto to that hallowed turf it was the ‘field of dreams’, the Promised Land they had worked so hard to get to. It is the pinnacle of the football world – the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, was greeted by vuvuzela chants for appreciation for the man who had so much belief in the African continent and who too much have felt his dream unfolding in front of him. Our controversial president Jacob Zuma soon joined him and despite the escapades of the past months we would pay tribute to the man who was leading our very proud country. The tragedy in the Mandela family kept the global icon away which was very unfortunate.

The Mexican anthem was sung and the groups of Mexicans bellowed out as loud as possible while the vuvuzelas where hushed in respect for our opposition.

‘Ke Nako’, It was time, with the biggest lumps in our throats we put our arms around each other and sang our hearts out as Nkosi Sikelele iAfrica echoed around our magnificent land.

Before we could wipe the odd sentimental tear from our eyes the two teams had taken the places on the immaculate manicured field and the long awaited 2010 FIFA World Cup was officially kicked off.

Blow that vuvuzela

To avoid a ball by ball commentary, I will just say that every near goal attempt, crunching tackle or superior piece of skill was applauded as the whole stadium was enticed. The constant tone of the vuvuzela’s went up and down, but not for one moment did the supportive sound subside.

A tough first half for Bafana with the Mexicans dominating while  having a goal disallowed in the 40^th minute. The second half was a different story and perhaps the nerves had dissolved and the encouragement of the crowd had put extra wind into Bafana’s masterful feet.

In the 55^th minute the Southern tip of Africa must have shuddered as the force of a nation leapt to their feet, cheered, hugged, high fived and blew their vuvuzelas as classy Bafana no.

8 Siphiwe Tshabalala expertly took his chance and finished off piercing passing with a blasting shot past the Mexican goalie. As back of the Mexican net moved, so did the hearts and hopes of every South African.

‘Our boys’ had become men and despite the Mexicans equalizing in the 79^th minute, we are all paying homage to our national soccer team and their coaching staff for the miracles they

Match time

have made us believe in.

We back you Bafana!

Thank you to all who have allowed us to get here!

How far we have come

To the next adventure….

With fourteen teams competing in the days play, it came down to the final which showed superior soccer skills seeing ‘Nomli’ from Nyanga beat ‘Sonwabo’ from Gugulethu, 5-0 in an energy sapping match. The close contests all afternoon ensured that the crowds who lined the pavement were kept in anticipation as they cheered on their respective teams. When the final whistle blew there were high fives and handshakes all around before the winning team were handed individual trophies and the coveted Kia Street Soccer floating trophy from local PSL team Ajax Cape Town.

Every child having completed four months of health educational training together with the soccer programme has now qualified to receive a ticket to go watch a 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM match. All Kia Street Soccer participants will be transported to Cape Town Stadium and given a food pack as they watch their ‘2010 dreams come true.’

Sponsor Kia Motors, in association with Foodzone, Let’s Play, Laser Logistics 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 Cup^TM and a special word of thanks must to go our sponsors, associates and partners. Kia Motors, Foodzone, The Dischem Foundation, Laser Logistics and Ajax Cape Town have really made this project a memorable one in the Western Cape 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 Cup^TM 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 team Ajax Cape Town 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.

All regional coordinators were really impressed with not only the skill that was showcased at all the venues, but also at the camaraderie portrayed between the teams in the build up to the finals. Cyril Pelston, coordinator of Manenberg expressed his delight at the family and friends who supported  the players through the duration of the tournament.

“To see the families and friends come down to the action is fascinating and does a lot in making each player feel important. I have been touched at how close the teams have grown and even trained in-between the tournament days, which really showed on match days in the skills that they have developed,” said Pelston.

The Western Cape leg of the Kia Street Soccer project is made up of a total of one hundred and forty teams across seven regions. 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.

Sporting Chance with the support of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ partner KIA Motors as the title sponsor, will be involved in the Street Soccer project that will make a difference to thousands of South African children’s lives as they begin to “live the dream of 2010”!

 Through the Kia Charity and Care program thousands of disadvantaged children around South Africa will be given the opportunity to participate in the Kia Street Soccer league as well as accompanying health and education programmes. Marketing Manager Vinola Pillay says, “Together with Sporting Chance we hope to achieve several things, firstly, we want to emphasise to children the value of sport and physical activity in building a bright future. Furthermore, we want to use sport and the FIFA World Cup™ as a vehicle for building self-esteem and educating children about the importance of health and nutrition. More importantly through these programmes we also want to provide opportunities for sporting achievement and personal development for as many children as possible”.

‘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 Cup^TM  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 Cup^TM  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 Cup^TM  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.

With an abundance of talent and skills coupled with a festive competitive spirit, seven weeks of entertaining street soccer boiled down to crown only one of six teams in the play-off as winners and Trouble Tigers won it in superb style beating Newtown 3 – 1.

Each team in the tournament is made up of six 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 must belong to the local sports club.

The project has had unbelievable feedback on the value its had on the community and children alike, according to Pacino Singh, the  coordinator in the Phoenix area.”

“It’s an  absolute joy to see over 120 children in our community talk, breath and play soccer, day in and day out. The type of skill and knowledge that these children have learned through the coaching structures have shown hope for possible future professional players ,” said Singh.

“For these children to be educated in simple things we sometimes take for granted, as well as play weekly and then get the opportunity to go watch a 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM mat, one can only say that at the end of the day…Soccer was once again the winner.”

Meanwhile, Brad Bing and Sporting Chance who are the brainstrust behind the project have been overwhelmed by the support and participation they have had from sponsors, partners and the community alike.

“This project has been very special for us in the year that see’s South Africa host the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM  and a special word of thanks must to go our sponsors, associates and partners. Kia Motors, AmaZulu Football Club, Foodzone and Dischem have really made this project a memorable one and I am convinced that every child will remember this project for a long time,” said Bing.

 “Communities are filled with sports-mad children and the street soccer allows them to be actively involved in the great game called soccer, right here in their own neighborhoods” commented Bing.

Local PSL team AmaZulu Football Club has been visiting the various KZN regions over the past six weeks 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 trials within their youth structure.

Whilst only one team could be victorious, all children are winners after completing both the educational and tournament stages of the project. Each child will now be rewarded with a ticket to go and watch one 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM match.

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 Cup^TM 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.

Sporting Chance in association with Kia Motors and Foodzone are proud to announce yet another exciting initiative taking place in the Kia Street Soccer Project.

Whether it’s on or off the streets, the Kia Street Soccer project extends to play a part in the lives of children throughout the day.

BIC Pens have donated over 4000 pens to the Kia Street Soccer project, which has ensured that every participant and coach taking part in the program will receive a pen.

With a huge focus on expanding education in the various informal communities, a real need for good quality stationery is apparent and by BIC giving the children a good quality pen it will allow them the opportunity to further develop their writing skills.

“It has been a long-standing objective of Sporting Chance to encourage a balanced lifestyle in sport and education and we are pleased that BIC have been generous with this donation,” said Brad Bing, Managing Director of Sporting Chance.

Sporting Chance works closely with the Department of Education and provides various programmes to assist local government in key areas which have been identified.

Click here for our Winter Holiday Clinic Timetable and Booking Form

The Sporting Chance Health of the Nation research which measured changing norms for physical activity and physical fitness in children produced substantial evidence to suggest that low levels of physical activity in school children are linked to obesity, even after taking socio-economic status into consideration. In addition, there is now also evidence to show that physical activity and other lifestyle patterns are largely established early in life (by the age of 12 yrs for some and even earlier for others). Furthermore, although there is no argument about the abundance of raw sporting talent available in South Africa, there is some concern about the small proportion of this talent that develops into its full potential.

Click here for our Winter Holiday Clinic Timetable and Booking Form

The Sporting Chance coaching clinics have been one of the most popular and affordable children’s holiday activates for nearly 20 years. The 2000 participants who attend the clinics annually are testament to their success. The holiday clinics strike the ideal balance between coaching sports specific skills and having fun.

Visit our Winter Holiday Clinic Time Table now for the latest dates and sporting codes!

Why not send you “Sports Star” on a 2 or 3 days Clinic?

Click here for our Winter Holiday Clinic Timetable and Booking Form