Western Cape Minister for Social Development Patricia de Lille welcomed the SA street soccer team at Union House after they returned from the Homeless World Cup in Brazil ranked as number 11 in the world.
“Our boys, our heroes, our hometown boys. You’ve done us very proud,” De Lille said as she congratulated the team.
“As South Africans we are extremely proud to be 11 out of 64 teams of the world. Considering the circumstances under which the team left, it’s a tremendous achievement.”
The team improved from last year’s cup when they were ranked as number 17 world-wide. This year they returned as number 3 in the Dignitary Cup, a step above the City Cup that they won in Milan last year.
“None of this would have been possible without the help from Cell C and Hummel. They came on board very late, and I want to Thank Cell C and Hummel from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
‘Football is not just a sport’
James Schonegevel, the senior regional manager for Cell C, and Henrik Laurtizen, the marketing director of Hummel Africa, also congratulated the team, as well as George Comitis, the CEO of Ajax.
“Football is not just a sport. It’s team effort. It’s people getting together, going out there fighting for each other and trying to win a game. It’s about enjoyment. It brings people together, it takes people of the streets. Football gives people opportunities, so good luck to you and we’re watching you as professional players,,” said Comitis.
The captain, Lukanyo Mjoka (24), gave De Lille a team shirt, signed with their autographs as a token of their appreciation.
“I will be convening with all the NGOs, the two government departments, social development and sports and culture,” said De Lille. “We want to see how we can possibly bring in some of the homeless kids from the rural areas to become involved. I look forward to keeping a close eye on the process.”