Bo Kaap team gets a warm welcome from Gqebergha

Following a month of fundraising, the FCBK football club has successfully taken its junior players on their first tour, marking the club’s 10-year anniversary.

The team arrived in Gqebergha on Wednesday July 16, where they were welcomed with a breakfast at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The hotel’s general manager, Elmarie Fritz, personally greeted the group.

“We are delighted to have you and we welcome you to our friendly city,” said Ms Fritz. “Nurturing our youth and supporting them by showing that we are behind them is important for our future as a country. We wish the boys well for their tournament this week.”

The under-13 players, their families, and supporters were treated to breakfast in the hotel’s Blue Box space, where the group could relax and enjoy games such as pool and darts, along with snacks including popcorn.

Kiejamodien Galant, U13 team captain from Bo-Kaap, said the players were excited to be touring for the first time.

“I am captaining the team on tour and I am taking it very serious,” he said. “I am excited, but I want to keep the boys focused on trying to do well on the tour. But most importantly, we are busy experiencing a new place and we are excited to be here.”

The tour idea was launched just over a month ago as part of the club’s anniversary celebrations, with an appeal to the community for support (“Support Bo-Kaap juniors on their first football tour to PE,” Atlantic Sun, July 5).

Club chairman Yazeed Samsodien thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the tour.

“It was not easy, but we pulled together and we made it happen for the sake of the children,” said Mr Samsodien. “Receiving the feedback we are getting now is amazing and it makes you want to do more.”

Through sponsorship, donations, and community fundraising—including selling boerewors rolls and akhni—the team was able to cover the tour costs.

“Our kids need to see more and this must become a regular feature. What is important is that we brought a whole community together and behind the team, which was really nice to see,” Mr Samsodien added. “Who knows? The next tour might be overseas and that will be an even bigger achievement.”

The FCBK U11 Premier Team began their campaign in the GQ Saints Night Tournament on Wednesday evening against local team Ebhayi Football Club. The U13 Premier Team is set to kick off their first match tomorrow, Saturday July 19, also against Ebhayi.

The team returns to Cape Town on Sunday, July 20.