The Man and Boys Foundation Stars (MBF Stars), a soccer team which consists of a group of young boys, has received a brand-new two-piece soccer kit and five soccer balls from the Merensky company recently.
Merensky is a well-known forestry and sawmill company and its Langeni plant is operated by its subsidiary, Singisi Forest Products.
MBF Stars seeks to groom and rescue kids from illegal activities, while teaching them about the dangers of illegal initiation and the beauty of the rite when it is done legally.
The MBF Stars’ soccer team was officially launched in February this year.
The Man and Boys Foundation founder, Nkululeko Nxesi, said the newly launched soccer team was meant to mentor children through soccer.
MBF Stars consisted of u/15 players.
“There is no league here for these youngsters, so we are trying to keep the kids happy.
“This is part of the Man and Boys Foundation, and we are engaging them through sport,” said Nxesi.
He said in the near future, they were planning to open an academy to accommodate all children across the province and would target those from disadvantaged communities.
Nxesi said the Merensky donation had generated interest in Mayaluleni village, which falls under the traditional administration area called Khethani.
He further said the idea behind this soccer team was to curb the death of initiates from initiation schools and keep them busy through sport activities.
Every year, MBF will host a camp in Tsolo for boys between the ages of 14 to 18.
