Team SA set for Homeless World Cup: Official send-off in Schaapkraal

Lonwabo Marele|Published 5 months ago

Team South Africa prepares for the Homeless World Cup: Players from Oasis-Reach for Your Dreams undergoing agility drills during a training session in Schaapkraal ahead of their departure to Seoul for the 2024 Homeless World Cup. In front, Figo Adams focused on the next drill.

South Africa’s team for the Homeless World Cup (HWC) is having an official kit handover and send-off today, at the Oasis-Reach For Your Dreams, in Schaapskraal, ahead of their departure to South Korea, tomorrow, Tuesday, September 17.

Since 2009, Oasis-Reach for Your Dreams NGO has been responsible for organising Team South Africa's participation in the tournament.

Founder, Cliffy Martinus said although support from the government has been slow in recent times, Oasis continues its efforts, with past players featured in the Netflix movie, The Beautiful Game.

“We are making our country proud. In the past under the previous Western Cape MEC Anroux Marais we received support and we hope the new MEC Ricardo Mackenzie and his department will continue on the commitment to support this important programme,” said Martinus

Last month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino signed a memorandum of agreement with the Homeless World Cup Foundation’s Mel Young, agreeing to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+ and FIFA's streaming platform, while also supplying material and equipment, including medals and trophies.

“FIFA has now, too, officially signed an agreement to support the HWC from this edition taking place in Seoul next week. This year the team is made up of players from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN,” said Martinus.

An official send-off will be held today, Monday 16, from 5pm to 7pm, in Schaapkraal. Supporters are encouraged to contribute by visiting the Oasis website at www.oasisplace.co.za or by contacting Cliffy Martinus at 082 945 4812.

Logistics manager Anthea Martinus explains the travel process, detailing the arrangements and coordination required to ensure the team's smooth journey to South Korea for the Homeless World Cup.

Team South Africa’s Sifiso Tyhala (Eastern Cape), Unathi Shasha, Figo Adams, Lilitha Hugo Mayalo, Miguel Rector. Missing in the picture is Renaldo Page. The squad is made up of six players for the 4v4 tournament.

Sifiso Tyhala and Lilitha Hugo Mayalo enjoy a short break before continuing with the bleep test last week.