The Glory and The Pain
Wow. What a day.
Finals day was always likely to be something special but I’m not sure I ever thought it could be I that special.
As per yesterday we kicked off with the conference, this time with the focus on the theme of protection from violence. The Tanzanian team were, understandably, nervous about the afternoons proceedings but were still very studious resulting in some powerful and moving moments including discussions on police beatings they had seen and how local and international governments could work to push for the rights of street children.
With the conference over for the day, anticipation started growing towards the two finals. South Africa vs Philippines was the perfect match – the local team against the neutrals favourites. South Africa took an early lead only to be pegged back to 1-1. It stayed like that full time. Into extra time and finger nails were non-existent. It was all square until the last five minutes when a well taken header gave the Philippines a 2-1 advantage which they held onto to become plate champions. The South Africans, both players and crowds, were incredibly gracious in defeat and the winners given a fantastic ovation.
The final was proceeded by some brilliant Zulu dancers with Precious performing at half time. Both were breathtaking. Tanzania vs India was always likely to be a tight affair. India had most of the early pressure but Tanzania held on gallantly despite having a man sin-binned. The game moved towards the final 5 minutes with still no hint of a goal. Cue a sliding block-tackle from a Tanzanian, a blue card and a penalty. The foul look to many to be outside the box but the referee had made his decision. Up stepped the Indian to confidently dispatch the penalty and cue pandaemonium amongst the Indian bench. The Tanzanians fought to the end but to no avail. India were the first ever winners of the Street Child World Cup.
While the Indians celebrated, the Tanzanians wept – literally. Many were so distraught they struggled to make it onto the pitch for the closing ceremony. It was heartbreaking to see how much it meant to them but as I have said to many people over the week – so much better to have had the experience than not at all. By the time of the art gallery opening, they were bouncing and dancing all over again!
The closing ceremony was also something special. To see all the teams together, in their kit, for one last time brought numerous tears to numerous eyes. This event has been special. More than that it has been extraordinary. India collected the trophy and raised the roof.
All week the artists have been working like Trojans to get the art gallery open on time – it was well worth it. The gallery looked stunning with all the children’s work mixed in with that of the Umthombo artists and the Momentum Arts team. It was wonderful to have one of the Tanzanians grab my hand and proudly show of his work to me. Another tear jerker. And finally, an impromptu rendition of Shosholosa led by the South Africans and joined in with by every player from every team, adults and children alike. Just another extraordinary moment in an extraordinary day in an extraordinary week.
It seems like a good chance to reflect on the week that has passed but as this is now getting long I will just pick two moments that have stood out for me – I could have picked hundreds. The Brazilian team arriving as the first team and the reception they got from the South Africans. I have simply never seen such warmth, friendliness and joy between two groups of people. Especially two groups who share no language. And the second – a Ukranian and a South African performing a Capoeira dance together. Need I say more?
It’s been amazing. Here’s to 2014.
Sam
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Endorsements
- "I know from personal experience just what power football can have to inspire and change young people’s lives whatever their background or nationality. This is what the Street Child World Cup is all about and I give it my full support."
David Beckham, AC Milan and England Midfielder - "No child should have to live on the streets. I commend the Street Child World Cup for providing a platform for the rights of street children to be heard."
Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister - "The Street Child World Cup demonstrates the tremendous potential of every single child, and especially street children, who are so often treated as less than human. I am proud that the first ever Street Child World Cup will take place in South Africa – and I urge all governments to guarantee the rights of this most marginalised group of their citizens to lives in which their promise is fulfilled.Quot;
Archbishop Desmond Tutu - "When ever people come across me they laugh. It seems like my mouth is zipped because they talk for us. I wish they could give us a chance to talk for ourselves."
Mbali, 15, Durban - "When people see us by the streets, they say that we are the street boys. But when they see us playing soccer, they say that we are not the street boys. They say that we are people like them. They are people like us."
Andile, 15, Durban - "I experienced hardcore street life in my youth. I know what it’s like. I congratulate the Street Child World Cup project in it’s commitment to bring attention to the plight of Street Children through the power of football."
Manny Pacquiao, Filipino professional boxer, current WBO World welterweight champion - "The Street Child World Cup hosted by Umthombo is a wonderful opportunity to hear the forgotten voices of Street Children – often marginalised, this is their time to be heard and to shine on the world stage. From the football field to governments across the world, this is a chance to celebrate the talent that every child has."
Thandie Newton, star of Crash and 2012 - "The Street Child World Cup will use this game, which is loved all over the world, to help give kids a fairer deal. No child should have to be on the street."
Gary Lineker OBE, former Tottenham, Barcelona, and England Forward and BBC’s Match of the Day presenter - "I am delighted that the first Street Child World Cup will take place in South Africa where I know there is a huge passion for football. No child should have to live on the streets and and I fully endorse this campaign giving street children a voice to claim their rights."
Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Manager - "Football and footballers aren’t always in the headlines for the right reasons but the Street Child World Cup harnesses the power of grassroots football to change vulnerable young peoples’ lives for the better across the world through the talent that they have. Good luck to all those taking part."
David Seaman, Former Arsenal and England Goalkeeper - "I’m delighted to endorse the Street Child World Cup. This is a fantastic ground-breaking event, aiming to win rights for street children, not only in Durban but across South Africa – and even the world! I’m sure that every team will be a winner!"
Sir Cliff Richard - "I’ve played football as a teenager with the world watching me. The Street Child World Cup is a brilliant project which will help hundreds of thousands of teenagers who have been forced to live on the streets by getting the world to listen to them and give them a fair chance."
Theo Walcott, Arsenal and England Forward - "No child should have to be on the streets. I am proud to support the Ukrainian team at the Street Child World Cup. Street children need the chance to show the world their potential."
Andriy Shevchenko, Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine Captain - "It was a privilege to be invited to the launch of the Street Child World Cup at Downing Street. It gives children a voice through football, a platform to express their rights and celebrate their abilities – I’m proud to add my support."
Wilson Palacios, Tottenham and Honduras Midfielder - "Seeing young people enjoying the magic of football is what the game is all about and I feel honoured to be supporting the event for street children taking place in South Africa. The Street Child World Cup is a fantastic grassroots initiative giving a voice to street children through the positive power of football. It’s an example of football making headlines for the right reasons. Good luck to all those taking part!"
Eduardo, Arsenal and Croatia Forward - "I am proud that the first ever Street Child World Cup will be held in my country in 2010. Football has the power to unite people from all over the world and gives young people the discipline and focus to let their true talent shine. No child should have to sleep on the street. I am delighted that the Street Child World Cup will celebrate these children’s potential and call for their rights to be realised.Good luck to all the teams but especially the South African team Umthombo from Durban!"
Aaron Mokoena, Portsmouth Midfielder and South Africa’s Captain and most capped player - "The Football Association commends initiatives such as the Street Child World Championships which use the power of football to make a difference to people’s lives"
Lord David Triesman, F.A. Chairman - "The Street Child World Cup is a superb campaign, bringing to attention the issues faced by some of the most vulnerable children in the world"
Edith Bowman, BBC Radio 1 - "My career is testament to the global village that football has become. The Street Child World Cup is a groundbreaking campaign highlighting the essential rights that all children must be given. From Montevideo via Brighton and down to Durban – let’s spread the word!"
Gus Poyet, former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Brighton and Hove Albion Manager - "South Africa 2012 will be watched by most of the World. The Street Child World Cup is the ultimate opportunity for us all to invest in the grassroots of football. Great campaign."
Sam Allardyce, Blackburn Rovers Manager - "The power of football in the community is undeniable and football is now a global community. I support the Street Child World Cup in raising awareness and support through football for the most vulnerable in our community: street children"
Owen Coyle, Bolton Wanderers Manager - "Throughout my career I have been an advocate of community development through football and the Street Child World Cup is an excellent example of uniting through football in support of young people across the World."
Alan Curbishley, Former Charlton and West Ham Manager
