The Department of Sports and Recreation launched the Siyadlala Mass Participation Programme in 2008. The MPP is a community-based sports developmental programme aimed at "the development of sport in communities" and "the development of communities through sport".
While the programme does not provide any funding, it does assist with sporting equipment where possible, as well as promotional materials and catering costs for large sporting events.
The Co-ordinator for the programme for the Aberdeen hub is Masterboy Blaai, who also coaches one of the Aberdeen soccer teams, the Conquering Lions. Currently, there are several soccer teams involved in the Siyadlala MPP Fun League, including Pystor Football Club, Seven Leaves and the junior squad from Young Blues.
The various clubs organize matches every Sunday, which are held on the Thembalesizwe Sports Grounds.
Last Sunday, the Conquering Lions were resplendent in their new uniforms which were sponsored by Lucky Seven, through Piet May, owner of Mzamomhle Shop in Thembalesizwe.
The afternoon's activities began with a friendly match between the junior and senior squads of the Young Blues club, which was won 5-3 by the juniors. The main match was a "David and Goliath" affair between Pystor Football Club (all senior players) and the Conquering Lions, of whom the oldest is only 17. Pystor were victorious in a 5-4 nail biter.
While the resources and facilities available to these sportsmen are severely limited, the passion, enthusiasm and commitment of the supporters, coaches and players is exceptional.
While the programme does not provide any funding, it does assist with sporting equipment where possible, as well as promotional materials and catering costs for large sporting events.
The Co-ordinator for the programme for the Aberdeen hub is Masterboy Blaai, who also coaches one of the Aberdeen soccer teams, the Conquering Lions. Currently, there are several soccer teams involved in the Siyadlala MPP Fun League, including Pystor Football Club, Seven Leaves and the junior squad from Young Blues.
The various clubs organize matches every Sunday, which are held on the Thembalesizwe Sports Grounds.
Last Sunday, the Conquering Lions were resplendent in their new uniforms which were sponsored by Lucky Seven, through Piet May, owner of Mzamomhle Shop in Thembalesizwe.
The afternoon's activities began with a friendly match between the junior and senior squads of the Young Blues club, which was won 5-3 by the juniors. The main match was a "David and Goliath" affair between Pystor Football Club (all senior players) and the Conquering Lions, of whom the oldest is only 17. Pystor were victorious in a 5-4 nail biter.
While the resources and facilities available to these sportsmen are severely limited, the passion, enthusiasm and commitment of the supporters, coaches and players is exceptional.
Article By: Samantha Jankovich
Conquering Lions
Pystor FC
