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A YOUTH football initiative in the Mzilikazi-Makokoba environs aims to provide a “sense of worth and value”, former Highlanders and Warriors footballer Johannes Ngodzo has said.
Four youth clubs will be part of the Johannes Ngodzo Foundation Youth Tournament which will officially kick off the midfielder’s foundation from 27 to 28 December.
The cross-township football event will take place at Makokoba’s iconic 11th Street Ground.
The tournament will bring together young people from surrounding areas. Around 100 young people aged between 13 and 17 will take part in the tournament.
They will have an opportunity to play football, but also share their hopes for the future and build new friendships at an event which is expected to be graced by many retired footballers from across the city.
Ngodzo said taking part was a great opportunity.
“I’ve met loads of people from Mzilikazi and Makokoba and am really enjoying it. I meet people from all different parts, finding out their backgrounds. I want these young players to be able to experience the same at an early age,” Ngodzo told Sunday News Sport.
“This is about bringing opportunity to the young people,” former Quelaton Football Club president, Dumehlezi Gumede commented.
“It brings them together to play football, there’s that social aspect but we look at the education side of things as well and sports leadership, development and leadership skills. “
The Johannes Ngodzo Foundation helps provide mentoring and employment pathways for young people, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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