KAIZER CHIEFS LEGENDS KICK OFF CRUYFF COURTS LAUNCH IN SOUTH AFRICA: A GAME-CHANGER FOR YOUTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Football icons join Rhiza Babuyile and the Johan Cruyff Foundation to unveil transformative sports spaces on International Day for People with Disabilities and during 16 Days of Activism.
04 DECEMBER 2024, JOHANNESBURG: Football legends from Kaizer Chiefs—Irvin “Pepe” Dire, Agrippa “Malombo” Tsoari, Johnny Mokome, and Petrus Mosuoe—starred at the launch of two Cruyff Courts in South Africa last week.
The collaboration between Rhiza Babuyile, a South African community development NPO, and the Johan Cruyff Foundation is set to transform lives through the power of sport, creating a transformative space for youth engagement, empowerment, and social change.
The Kaizer Chiefs icons joined community leaders, international partners, and corporate sponsors to unveil the courts at two key locations: the Rhiza Agricultural Farm in Orange Farm, Gauteng, on Thursday, November 28, and Louwville High School in Vredenburg, Western Cape, on Saturday, November 30.
The Cruyff Courts are a vital step forward for disadvantaged areas like Orange Farm and Vredenburg, giving youth a platform to develop not just their sporting skills but also life skills.
These new Cruyff Courts are more than sports facilities—they represent safe, inclusive spaces for physical and mental health, where children and young people, including those with disabilities, can thrive. The initiative, timed with International Day for People with Disabilities, champions equality and fights discrimination.
“This partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation is a game changer for our communities. These courts are more than just sports facilities; they represent hope, inclusivity, and the opportunity for a brighter future. We’re thrilled to see this vision come to life and to provide the youth of Orange Farm and Vredenburg with the space to grow, thrive, and lead,” said Alef Meulenburg, founder of the Rhiza Foundation.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Opportunity
Founded by the legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, the Cruyff Courts initiative has created accessible sports spaces globally. The latest additions in South Africa bring clean water infrastructure, including a rainwater collection and filtration system, further contributing to sustainable community development. The court will be shared by at least 10 schools in each area, with scheduled sessions facilitated by trained supervisors.
“We are committed to providing the children of South Africa with a space that fosters both physical and mental health,” said Meulenburg. “The Cruyff Courts are designed to be inclusive, where everyone, regardless of gender, ability, or background, can come together and enjoy sports in a safe and supportive environment.”
Susila Cruyff, daughter of Johan Cruyff, also attended the events, reflecting on her father’s vision. “The Johan Cruyff Foundation has been instrumental in creating these accessible sports spaces globally, with South Africa now joining a growing number of countries to benefit from this initiative. Importantly, the courts will also contribute to the fight against gender-based violence, as they provide a platform for social activism and positive community engagement,” said Farid Gamei, Senior Project Manager in The Netherlands.
Community and Corporate Support Drive Success
The Orange Farm launch event saw an outpouring of support, with representatives from the Netherlands Embassy, sponsors like Betway, and local celebrities joining Kaizer Chiefs legends to celebrate this milestone. The courts aim to address critical issues like youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality while empowering young people to rewrite their narratives.
The flagship launch event in Orange Farm was attended by representatives from the Netherlands Embassy, local celebrities, and corporate partners such as Betway, and others who have supported the initiative.
Rhiza Babuyile’s work is rooted in community development, focusing on healthcare, skills development, education, and economic empowerment. Through the partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, they continue to lead the charge in addressing inequality and creating lasting opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
For more information, visit Rhiza Babuyile or the Johan Cruyff Foundation.
