![Adv. Lyndon Bouah (DCAS), Eric “Ace” Khombela and Mr Gerald Don (SAFA Western Cape). Adv. Lyndon Bouah (DCAS), Eric “Ace” Khombela and Mr Gerald Don (SAFA Western Cape).](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/adv._lyndon_bouah_dcas_eric_ace_khombela_and_mr_gerald_don_safa_western_cape_0.jpg)
Western Cape football heroes have a vital role to play in unlocking the province’s football potential in partnership with South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). This was one of the key points that emerged from a seminar held in Athlone on 30 January 2014.
Entitled “Remembering our Pioneers in Soccer”, the seminar celebrated the skills and talents of players who made a substantial contribution to the development and growth of the game. Their contributions helped a unified football movement to emerge in South Africa after apartheid.
Veterans Goolam Allie, Calvin Petersen, Mark Byrne, Farouk Abrahams and Eric “Ace” Khombela spoke about their experiences and how these could contribute to the development of the game.
DCAS Sport Promotion Director Thabo Tutu and other dignitaries handed over tokens of appreciation to these football pioneers. Tutu said that they still have a key role to play in the development of young players. “Through this event, we aim to improve the football culture in the Western Cape. This is the first of many opportunities for role players to exchange views and work together.” The Department hopes to host a Soccer Indaba in the near future.
DCAS is building partnerships and is committed to provide support for football development in the Western Cape, starting at school level. This is in alignment with the vision of the National Sport and Recreation Plan. It will be exciting to see how the football heroes of the past will contribute to the growth of the beautiful game.
Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis@westerncape.gov.za