Celebratory mood erupted at the Coca Cola Park Stadium Auditorium when hundreds of delegates representing football structures receive equipments courtesy of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. About 44 local football associations affiliated to six South African Football Association (SAFA) regional structures benefited from the programme.
South African Football Association (SAFA) Gauteng representative, Willy Seboka, urged structures to use the equipment efficiently and effectively. “Let’s not keep these equipments in garages or car boots, they must used fruitfully and effectively for the development of sport,” he said.
He also emphasised a need for officials in structures to account for the equipment. “We have been engaging with the department for a while and now the discussions have borne fruits, therefore, structures should take care of these equipments and must be able to account when the department enquire about them.”
Addressing the delegates MEC Nelisiwe Mbatha-Mthimkhulu said that the department recommits itself that sport development is achieved in previously disadvantages communities. “We have entered into a social contract to leave a lasting legacy in sport development and we encourage youth to participate in sport to fight social illness.” the MEC said.
The event was part of the 2010 legacy programme aimed at strengthening football structures in the province and to ensure that they are administratively equipped to deliver on football leagues and development programmes.
The following football structures benefited from the programme: SAFA Gauteng, Mabopane Football Club, and Mighty Squad Football Club. Other sporting codes which benefited include Johannesburg Central Netball, Alexandra Cricket Club, Rugby Players Development Club, Southern Gauteng Hockey and Lesedi Shooting Club.
Issued by: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, Gauteng Provincial Government
30 September 2009
Source: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, Gauteng Provincial Government
(http://www.srac.gpg.gov.za/)
