By Buziwe Nocuze
- Siyanda Buqa started Kasi Sport Supporter in Philippi township in 2019, using money meant for his own family’s bills instead.
- So the sacrifice caused real fights with his wife, but Buqa says he could not let the young players down.
Siyanda Buqa spent six years handing over money that was meant to pay his family’s bills. He gave it to a soccer team instead.
Buqa started Kasi Sport Supporter in Philippi township, Cape Town, in 2019. He had no permanent job, living off piece jobs, and used some of that money to keep the organisation running.
“I started this to give young people staying in one of the most dangerous townships in Cape Town an alternative,” Buqa said.
The money caused problems at home. On some days, he fought with his wife because what he was earning was not enough to cover their bills.
“I didn’t want to let the kids down. I explained to my family, and I was joined by other members,” Buqa said.
Kasi Sport Supporter now has 15 members. Seven of them have jobs, and personally pay for match fees, transport, food and boots so the young players can stay off the streets.
At a recent match, they paid R700 for transport, R150 for a match official, R10 for each player and R300 for food.
“Most of the parents are not working, which is why we pay from our own pockets,” Buqa said.
The organisation says it has kept 93 young people off the streets since 2019. Players also get help applying for internships and university, and with their homework.
Parent Vuyolwethu Nomzanga said her child is safer because of the coaches’ sacrifice.
“Sometimes we try to give the kids money when they are going to matches, so they can see we are also trying on our side,” Nomzanga said.
Player Aviwe Maqungo, 22, said football kept him away from drugs and crime.
Ward 80 councillor Lindikhaya Payiya said the ward donates equipment and helps organise tournaments, but ward money cannot be used to buy football kits.
Pictured above: Kasi Sport Supporter from Philippi township in Cape Town is saving kids from being involved in illegal activities, including drug use.
Image source: Supplied
