Street Children's Soccer Tournament kicks off

By Odette Ismail

Cape Town’s deputy mayor Andrew Arnold announced at the Street Children’s Soccer Tournament on Saturday that the sport was a good distraction. He said that this kept children away from drugs and gangs.

Thirty-two teams took to the field at Green Point Stadium which was arranged by the city, Cape Town Partnership and Western Cape Street Children’s Soccer League.

Keeping up with the festivity, Arnold put on his soccer boots and together with officials and councillors played in an opening match against the South African team.

This resulted in Arnold scoring only one goal for his team, while the engaging team scored six goals according to the Sunday Argus. The team will also represent South Africa in the Homeless World Cup Soccer Tournament later in the month.

Arnold also told the soccer players that sport is an ‘ excellent vehicle’ for young people to shape their futures as leaders and gives coaches a chance to install morals into their lives ‘ at time when they are most vulnerable and most impressionable.”

He added that sport which involved different races, culture, and social means was an good ‘nation-building tool.’