You couldn’t tell who was having more fun. During their visit to the Amandla Safe Hub in the township of Diepsloot in northern Johannesburg, the Werder players met around 300 children who have grown up in difficult conditions in this South African township. “This will remain an unforgettable day, both for the children and for us,” said Claudio Pizarro following the visit.
Alongside his Werder teammates, the Peruvian striker danced, sang, clapped and trained with the children, who not only have a safe place to play football in the Amandla Safe Hub, but also can develop in a secure environment free from violence, drugs and criminal activity. Between now and 2030, around one hundred of these so-called ‘Safe Hubs’ will open across South Africa according to Project CEO and founder Florian Zech. “The idea emerged, as we saw it, from how disadvantaged so many children are growing up across South Africa. As a team sport, football gives children the opportunities to learn many skills necessary in life,” says Zech, whose project has been recognised by the United Nations.
There are currently three artificial pitches at the site while seven more are currently in construction. Amandla’s concept is to improve the education level and reduce criminal activity in the township through the medium of sport. The Amandla Safe Hub project has been supported by the Bundesliga and the DFL. “We came together through football and had a lot of fun together with the children. As a father myself, it is great to see them smiling. Visiting the Safe Hub today makes me feel happy and proud,” said Nuri Sahin, who has become involved in many different social projects across his career.
Sahin, who played with the Johannesburg born attacker Steven Pienaar during his time at Borussia Dortmund, has clear thoughts following the visit: “Many of the boys and girls have the dream to be here today and are able to thanks to football. They should continue to dream. I also say this to my children. You cannot achieve anything if you don’t dream, and who knows. Perhaps one of them could play at the World Cup for South Africa.” Sahin’s former teammate Pienaar did exactly that as South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup.
Alongside a tour of the township of Diepsloot, the Werder players also integrated with the children on the pitch. They danced to warm up, participated in numerous training exercises led by Maxi and Jojo Eggestein and concluded with a couple of games. “It means a lot to have Werder Bremen with us today. This was really important for our continuing work,” explained Regional Operations Manager Wewe Sokoyi.
Everyone who visited the Safe Hub on Tuesday afternoon would agree with Claudio Pizarro’s conclusion: “It is great to see that we were able to work our magic and put a smile on their faces.”
