By Nangamso Mabindla
3 May 2006

PHAKAMISA has received a boost with the donation of a soccer kit to the Buffalo City township's soccer teams.

The gesture is part of the municipality's efforts to improve sport in the township. As part of these plans, the City fenced the community soccer field with a 900m palisade fence.

Mvezo Plant and Civils was contracted to put up the fencing, which formed the first phase of the renovations of the field. The contractor was also engaged by the project steering committee on behalf of the community to contribute towards the development of the local sports club.

The company's Mike Goddard said that Mvezo had decided to buy a soccer kit for the local team. "We know that the kit is just a drop in the ocean when it comes to the many needs of the community, but we hope that it helps in nurturing young talent here – and hopefully one day they [can] make a living out of sport."

He said his company not only wanted to get business out of the township, but also wanted to put something back into Phakamisa as part of its social responsibility programme.

Ward 41's councilor, Ntombomzi Adonis, thanked the municipality and the contractor for donating the kit and two soccer balls. There were six soccer clubs in the area and Adonis said they would all compete in a tournament on Saturday, 13 May.

"The winner of the tournament will win this equipment. Now you have given these teams something to play for. This new kit will definitely bring some dignity to our soccer teams," Adonis said.

The donation would take soccer in the area in the right direction. "You are not aware of the contribution you have made to our soccer team. This is huge and we hope that some of our youngsters will make a living out of sport," Adonis added.