For the love of the game

U11 Soccer tournament held.

The first prize trophy went to Hlafeng Football Club in Oakmor, Thembisa.

NEW Jerusalem Children’s Home, in conjunction with the Midrand Local Football Association, proudly held a huge soccer tournament for U11 children at the President Park home on 2 March.

The theme was Keeping kids off the street, and eleven teams from different locations participated in the tournament with over 250 children attending.

Participants were New Jerusalem Football Club President Park, Super Gauteng Football Club Rabie Ridge, Peace Lovers Football Club Ivory Park, Classic Football Club Glen Austin, Kanana Football Club Klipfontein, MXO and MXO B Klipfontein, Themba Football Club Ivory Park, Nkulisa Football Club Sangweni, Tshidi Football Club Mayibuye, and Hlalefang Football Club Oakmor Thembisa.

The co-ordinator of the tournament and accountant at New Jerusalem Children`s Home, Paul Muduma, said that he was very happy with the responses he received from the teams.

Muduma said that, as the accountant of the home, he was not only worried about the balance sheet but also about the future of the children.He organised this tournament so that the children from the home could interact with those from different communities.

Co-founder and managing director of New Jerusalem Anna Mojapelo said, “I am very happy to see these little children playing soccer; these kinds of events are very important for the kids because they help the children to stay away from drugs and alcohol. I never thought that this was going to be as big as this… Even though we are facing financial challenges, we found it necessary to provide food, drinks and snacks for the tournament.”

New Jerusalem’s co-founder Phina Mojapelo said that she wished these kinds of events would happen more regularly.William Mbuyi, a representative of the Midrand Local Football Association, thanked the home for “the red carpet treatment” they gave the children.“The event was well-prepared, with nice food, drinks and snacks provided,” said Mbuyi.

Hlafeng Football Club in Oakmor, Thembisa won the tournament; MXO of Klipfontein took away the silver medals; while the host New Jerusalem took the bronze.Muduma, who also coaches the New Jerusalem Football Club, asked the public to sponsor soccer and training kits, soccer balls, cones and vests to help build the team.

Details: Paul Muduma, 084 776 9238 or 010 224 045 860.

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