Children in need scored big time this weekend when Chippa United players paid them a visit.
A youth development centre in Duncan Village and four underdeveloped soccer clubs in Phakamisa, King William’s Town, excitedly welcomed the players and club officials, who were flanked by Buffalo City Metro (BCM) executive mayor Alfred Mtsi, his deputy Xola Pakati and Chippa United’s chairman Chippa Mpengesi on a two-day drive to donate funds and other resources.
The group first visited Sakhuluntu Child and Youth Centre in Duncan Village on Friday where they donated R25000 and promised a temporary shelter for the more than 100 children and youth there.
The centre, which operates from a shack, was founded by ex-convict Thembekile Havi, 31.
He runs after-school programmes at the centre with the goal of shaping young minds through sports, arts and culture.
“The money will go towards school shoes and uniforms. We will also buy food for our feeding scheme,” he said.
BCM spokesman Keith Ngesi said Mtsi took Chippa United to the centre in response to an appeal for help made by Havi last year to Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle and his executive when they visited Duncan Village during an outreach project.
“During the premier’s visit, Havi gave a compelling presentation about what he does and what he needs for the kids. The mayor was responding to his plea,” said Ngesi, who added the temporary structure would be handed over soon.
Addressing the crowds and fans gathered outside the centre to meet their soccer heroes, Mpengesi said he grew up in NU3 and spent plenty of time in Duncan Village.
“I am familiar with the hardships of growing up in a shack. I used to accompany my grandmother to receive her pension at the hall.”
On Saturday, the team moved to Phakamisa in King William’s Town where they distributed R40000 among four football clubs.
Ngesi said the community had asked the mayor to include a sports field in the community’s upcoming development budget.
Mpengesi challenged the four clubs to produce players for Chippa United.
Chipping in to help kids
A youth development centre in Duncan Village and four underdeveloped soccer clubs in Phakamisa, King William’s Town, excitedly welcomed the players and club officials, who were flanked by Buffalo City Metro (BCM) executive mayor Alfred Mtsi, his deputy Xola Pakati and Chippa United’s chairman Chippa Mpengesi on a two-day drive to donate funds and other resources.
The group first visited Sakhuluntu Child and Youth Centre in Duncan Village on Friday where they donated R25000 and promised a temporary shelter for the more than 100 children and youth there.
The centre, which operates from a shack, was founded by ex-convict Thembekile Havi, 31.
He runs after-school programmes at the centre with the goal of shaping young minds through sports, arts and culture.
“The money will go towards school shoes and uniforms. We will also buy food for our feeding scheme,” he said.
BCM spokesman Keith Ngesi said Mtsi took Chippa United to the centre in response to an appeal for help made by Havi last year to Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle and his executive when they visited Duncan Village during an outreach project.
“During the premier’s visit, Havi gave a compelling presentation about what he does and what he needs for the kids. The mayor was responding to his plea,” said Ngesi, who added the temporary structure would be handed over soon.
Addressing the crowds and fans gathered outside the centre to meet their soccer heroes, Mpengesi said he grew up in NU3 and spent plenty of time in Duncan Village.
“I am familiar with the hardships of growing up in a shack. I used to accompany my grandmother to receive her pension at the hall.”
On Saturday, the team moved to Phakamisa in King William’s Town where they distributed R40000 among four football clubs.
Ngesi said the community had asked the mayor to include a sports field in the community’s upcoming development budget.
Mpengesi challenged the four clubs to produce players for Chippa United.
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