Six players of Oasis FC Reach For Your Dreams, a soccer club in Schaapkraal, are featuring in The Beautiful Game, due to be launched globally on Netflix, on Friday March 29.
The movie, based on the true-life events of the Homeless World Cup (HWC), held annually in different countries, was shot in Italy, in 2022.
Bongani Mathiso, former player in HWC 2012 Mexico, Oasis FC head coach and HWC coach, said they were grateful for the experience.
“It was an immense honour to participate in this ground-breaking project, marking my debut in a film of such grand scale. As players and extras, we anticipated a typical Homeless World Cup tournament experience. However, the reality was a delightful departure from the norm, presenting us with the unique challenge of adapting to the operational terminology of filmmaking.”
Mr Mathiso said the film had been a source of “profound inspiration” for all of them touched by homelessness.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Oasis, the Homeless World Cup organisation, Blueprint, and everyone involved. A special note of appreciation goes to director Thea Sharrock for placing her faith in us, the South African team, who had the distinct privilege of being invited to extend our stay for an additional week of shooting. My deepest thanks to all, and may blessings abound.”
Oasis FC was established by CEO Clifford Martinus with the aim to target youth and school drop-outs, to keep them off the streets and on the soccer field.
Mr Martinus said it was a blessing for the players to be extras in the movie and they were visible in many scenes. “I am super proud to be identified with the players, in the credits at the end of the movie as well. It is a humbling experience.
“I grew up in Lavender Hill and Mitchell’s Plain and we focus on saving lives one person at a time by helping them make better decisions for their lives.”
Robin van Dieman, head of design and marketing at Oasis, said the non-profit organisation was established in 2000. “It continues to make strides in empowering underprivileged youth through sports. With a variety of programmes like street football and netball, and life skills workshops, Oasis is not just about sports but also about creating a structured environment for skills development and community reintegration.”
