Ennerdale’s Cassian Van Niekerk, a dedicated community mentor, recently organized a 7-a-side football tournament on 27 September at Saint George Primary School, Malagiet Street, Ext 5 in Lawley, with support from local sponsors.
The event aimed to keep children engaged, promote teamwork, and provide positive role models for youth. EME FC from Lawley emerged as the winners of the tournament, defeating COE FC 4-2 in the finals. They took home a trophy and R2,000 in prize money. Four teams participated, and organizers plan to expand the tournament to ten teams in the future.
Van Niekerk expressed his gratitude and motivation for organizing the event: “I just want to thank the community and our sponsors. We don’t stop here – these tournaments are a way to keep our children busy, teach teamwork, and inspire them to aim higher. A child in sports is a child out of court. As we move forward, we plan to invite scouts and more sponsors to get even more kids involved.”
Concerned about the lack of positive role models for youth, Cassian has dedicated his life to mentoring and guiding young people toward achieving bigger goals and believing in their potential. Through initiatives like this tournament, he continues to uplift his community and create opportunities for the next generation.
Images: Cassian Van Niekerk
