Kickoff (Cape Town)
27 August 2008
Former Bafana Bafana great Shaun Bartlett and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune are to assist in coaching and guiding children in a project, 'Next Hero' that was launched in Gauteng this week.
Samsung Electronics SA, who also sponsor English Premiership giants Chelsea have linked with the Play Soccer South Africa project to host two events to be held in Gauteng in September and October.
The goal is a project which aims to educate and empower disadvantaged youth through the passion and unity of soccer.
To achieve this, Samsung is mobilizing South Africans through the purchase of the J700 phone and with each handset sold; the company will donate a portion of the sale to Play South Africa project.
An added benefit for soccer fans is the establishment by Samsung of an in-store competition where J700 buyers stand a chance to win a trip to London to see Samsung's greatest hero, Didier Drogba in action against Chelsea's archrivals Arsenal on November 30.
Samsung's Daniel Lamberti speaking about the project, said it was designed to get everyone involved in the future of their youth and to this end, local 'ambassadors' Bartlett, Khune along with Teko Modise (who was absent from the gathering due to club commitments) will also used.
"It means a lot for them to see me here but it also inspires me, I have been there too. I have kids of my own so it's great and helps a lot to give a positive outlook for the future for these kids. Not everybody knows where we come from. I lived in similar conditions before and seeing these kids having fun and games puts a smile on your face," Bartlett said after he and Khune took part in matches to show off their skills.
"When the kids saw me they just greeted and screamed at me," Khune added.
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