Simthandile Sinde, 23, a seasonal farm worker from Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, recently won the opportunity to train for one week with the Santos development squad. He was identified as the most promising player during the Ceres Potato Soccer Tournament in the Western Cape. This year’s tournament was won by the team from Vastrap farm in the Koue Bokkeveld, outside Ceres.
Gerrit van Rensburg, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development attended the finals, played on Kromfontein Estate in the Koue Bokkeveld. Van Rensburg said people will be amazed at the variety of opportunities that are born from agriculture. “Simthandile Sinde came from the Eastern Cape as a seasonal farm worker. Now he is offered a once in a life time opportunity through soccer”.
Keith America, Santos Youth Coach, said Simthandile impressed with his pace and general technical ability.
Van Rensburg thanked the farmers who are investing time and money in sport and cultural activities for farm workers, who are often living and working in very remote locations. Farmers contribute through the establishment of on-farm soccer pitches and team gear such as balls, boots and uniforms for the team members.
The Potato Soccer Tournament was initiated in 2008, and this year 62 farm teams from the Ceres area competed for the R10 000 first prize. Santos talent scouts are present each year to identify players with potential. Major sponsors are Freshmark Shoprite and Potato South Africa.
Enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Tel: 021 473 4700
Cell: 079 694 3085
E-mail: wouterkriel@gmail.com
Suretha Deetlefs,
Tel: 023 316 1230
Cell: 082 537 3900
E-mail: korkomcvv@telkomsa.net
