ROOTZ United was formed in 2010 by Brendan Moran and sponsored by Rootz Creationz (local handcraft business) to offer quality football training for young men from the Valley. Moran has been volunteer coaching youngsters in Hillcrest for the past 14 years.
The team consists of players from Embo and KwaNuyswa and train at the Highway United field.
Team captain Themba Ngcobo said he started playing for Rootz in May 2010 and loves playing for Rootz United as soccer is an energetic sport .
“Soccer is amazing to me. It allows us to keep fit and teaches discipline. The skill in soccer takes a long time to master, although I don’t even think you can master soccer. There are so many new things I learn at practice every day. The skill you need to play soccer is over the top. When you first play soccer, you are thinking ‘wow, this is a lot trickier than I thought it would be’. I know that’s what I was thinking when I first played.
“Ever since I started playing the sport I have loved it and when I was little I had no clue what I was doing at the time. Now I have progressed and know what I’m doing.”
He says that another reason why he loves soccer is because it takes team effort.
“If one person doesn’t try on the team or doesn’t give 110% the whole team loses. There is no number one in the team and that was the first thing I learnt in my soccer career. “Team effort is what I love, because you have to work with your team and communicate with everyone to take the ball up the field and score.”
Photo: The team (back, from left) Fana Ndimande, Chief Bongani, Mazwi Ngcobo, Brendan Moran (coach), Themba Ngcobo (captain), Spe Zondi, Stability Sifiso, Hlegi Bengu, Phila Buthelezi, and (front, from left) Ayanda Mthethwa, Qiniso Buthelez
He thanked Rootz Creationz for their financial assistance for kit, equipment and transport and urged others in the community to sponsor his team and take up the sport. He also mentioned a special thanks to Highway United for allowing the team to train on their field.
To find out more or to assist contact info@rootz.co.za
-Kalisha Naicker.