Homeless World Cup: Update Tuesday 1st

News from the World Cup squad

Hi, my name is Gavin Lotz and I am the team manager for South Africa.  Football has always been one of my passions, and I’ve been working with the Homeless Soocer team since 2006, when the final was actually held in Cape Town.

I have one of the easiest roles really, I just have to make sure everything runs smoothly, and motivate the guys. I go to the training sessions and work with our coach to make sure they are fit and ready to win once they land in Milan.  I have to say I think we have a good chance – the lads are very enthusiastic and committed, and believe they can win.  That conviction gives them a lot of power.

This is the first trip out of Africa for me too.  I’ve been on a plane before, but I have to admit that even I am quite nervous about what I will find when we land in Italy.  Each team has been allocated a host or hostess, they will meet us at the airport, and until we land we don’t know where we are staying, where we are playing, or who we are drawn against.  We must just be ready to hit the ground running…

I am the vice principal of The Ark Christian School here, and two of the lads, Ephraim Maaman and Siphiwe Mayesela stay here with us.  They are both totally committed to this competition, and I have seen each member of the team develop in character and leadership skills since they have been playing soccer.  It’s a fantastic tool, it keeps them occupied, gets them off the streets, and gives them a chance in life.  It also gets them back into the community, gives them back their identity and their self esteem.

In my spare time I watch all sorts of sports, especially rugb,y football and athletics.  I’m a Manchester United fan, and my hero is Alex Ferguson, so if I can do a job that is even a fraction of that done by him I will be happy…

I would also like to thank all our supporters, everything you have given will be so appreciated.  We will do our best to make you proud.

The team have now left for Milan.

The South African team, Homeless World Cup, with Justin Zietsman (front left, standing) of A24 Group. The team have now left for Milan. We wish them well!