Former AmaZulu keeper provides street kids with hope October 23, 2009 AmaZulufc.net journalist Nhlanhla Brilliant Mkhathini, who recently spent some time with Pelewe Delamong, finds out more about the project the former AmaZulu goal keeper is running. [See photo gallery at end of article]

Lending a helping hand

They hail him as a hero and saviour of the homeless.

‘Coach’ when are we playing? One of the kids asks his mentor, Pelewe Delamong after a few pace ups on the beach where they normally train.

The former AmaZulu goalkeeper’s effort in keeping kids off the streets is not a normal coaching job. He was encouraged by a friend by the name of Vusi Bhengu who works at FNB, to start this great initiative.

Danger on Durban’s streets

“Since I came in Durban I saw that there were lots of children roaming the streets uncared for. I spent a lot of time wondering why this was so.”

The kids increased outcry over the dangers found on Durban’s coastline is another reason that made him decide to lend a helping hand.

‘Not only that, but I started developing a love for them after watching a few of the boys kicking a ball. I just thought why don’t I do something in a caring way. The way Metro Police deals with this situation is not helping,“ he said.

Getting help

Himself a father of four children, he says he hopes to bring in his former team mate and countrymen Bunene Ngaduane into the project.

“The vision is too big I want something godly to save these youngsters.”

By coaching the team of 24 boys ranging in different age groups, he hopes in future clubs will take them in for training and look at them.

“The way I’m training them mentally and tactically is what they need. They have dreams and lots of them could become soccer players.

“At the same time the community of Durban should love them and not treat them like criminals. They only need help,” he pleaded.

Point Road Spar owner Mike Limbouris offers some assistance to the project and believes it is just a small way they can help. Spar contributes a small amount to their coffers a week to help feed the boys.


PHOTO GALLERY - click on thumbnail image to enlarge

* Article and photos by Nhlanhla Brilliant Mkhathini