South Africa exhibits talent and potential at a soccer tournament in Oslo, Norway promoting hope and change for those who are experiencing homelessness. South Africans were leading in Group D. South Africa is currently first in stage two of the Men’s Group D at the Homeless World Cup. According to the soccer tournament’s page on Facebook, this is the 20th edition of the tournament that is played to bring change. The tournament uses the power of sport to promote dignity, inclusion and transformation.
“Our mission is to use football to support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives; and to change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness,” states their website. During stage one of the tournament, which was played from Saturday until Monday, South Africa won three of their four matches. They lost only to Brazil 6-3. Stage two of the tournament kicked off yesterday, with the South Africans beating Bulgaria 7-4 and Finland 11-3. Source: Homeless World Cup/Facebook Today, at 14:00 SA time, South Africa face fourth-placed Bosnia & Herzegovina, hoping to remain unbeaten in this stage of the tournament.
The Homelessness Soccer World Cup is meant to uplift and motivate the destitute, concerning their current situation. To show them that there can be an alternative to their current routines of lack of opportunities. Tournaments such as the Soccer Homelessness World Cup pave the way for helping others who can help themselves. In South Africa’s case it helps to unlock key potential. The country was able to move ahead when winning three out of four matches. Brazil was the exception proving themselves to be another tough nut to crack. The tournament itself would have been intense stirring the spectators into a frenzy. It is charitable events such as these that can help to combat destitution, homelessness and poverty.
According to an explainer video on the tournament’s Facebook page, the matches are four-a-side, with three outfield players and one goalkeeper. Each team has a squad of eight players, and rolling substitutions are allowed throughout a match. One attacking player has to be in their opponent’s half to create a three-on-two with attack versus defence. The matches last 14 minutes, and there are no draws: Tied games go to sudden-death penalties. Because fair play is central to the tournament, everyone plays until the last day.
The Homelessness Soccer World Cup Tournament is about building bridges of hope. The world is advancing to new horizons. It can offer new motivation to the participants and challenge stereo types. South Africa and other participating nations have proven they have hope in tackling matters of destitution. The Homelessness World Cup is a key platform that offers motivation and hope in a materialistic world that has far to often showcased the negatives. Times are changing, how governments and civil society put such untapped talent remains to be seen. Events such as these remind us that dignity, hope and opportunity can be utilized – one goal at a time.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
