Story and pics by Bilaal M Eshak
EAGER players turned up in their numbers at the Lenasia Stadium early this month to participate in the Winter Schools Holiday Tournament.
The tournament, hosted by the SA Fed Soccer Legends (SAFSL), in association with the newly-formed Lenasia Sports Council, was part of the Legends coaching programme for young learners.
The free three-day tournament – held on July 3, 4 and 5 – attracted about 100 eager young players as they participated in tournaments where there were no losers. They were all winners.
During the three days they were coached by members of the SAFSL and were awarded certificates of participation.
It was a seven-a-side tournament for boys and girls aged between seven and 11-year-olds.
“We are grateful to some of the business houses in Lenasia for assisting us in getting this event off the ground,” one of the organisers of the tournament, Kokie Singh said.
“Mohammed Fakie of Pastry Palace, in particular, came to the party, by providing snacks and refreshments for the youngsters.
“The young players were very impressed and virtually demanded that we stage similar events during all the school holidays. They also wanted us to organise such events for other codes.”
Singh was assisted by Bhadresh Patel, Billa Singh and brothers Raees and Riaz Moosa, while NabeelahHassim and Khajal Patel assisted with the paper work.
Meanwhile, the SAFSL’s weekly coaching programme aimed at learners from the under 6s to the under 9s is gaining momentum.
Started at the Impala Primary School grounds, the programme is becoming so popular that it has become difficult to accommodate all the eager learners at the venue.
“We have decided to move to the Lenasia Soccer Stadium to be able to safely cater for all those wanting to be part of the coaching programme,” Singh added.
The Saturday mornings programme is overseen by Singh and his colleagues from the SAFSL – Billa Singh, Seeraj Abbas and Ivan Naidoo – and ably assisted by coaches from various soccer clubs.
“We appeal to former Federation players to come forward and offer their assistance. If we have more coaches, it will make it easier and lighten the work load of those involved.”
For more information on the coaching, contact Kokie Singh (084-261-2442), Billa Singh (082-652-6331), Ivan Naidoo (011-852-4194) or Seeraj Abbas (0778-524-4838).
