Patricia de Lille and Lance Greyling with team

The players returned home to South Africa this week.  While there were some bumps along the way, they are now all home, safe and sound.  Soon after they landed, they were invited to Parliament and were recognized by Patricia de Lille, the leader of the Independent Democrats political party.  Also, they were welcomed by Kgalema Motlanthe who served as President of South Africa between  September 25, 2008 and May 9, 2009, completing the second term of Thabo Mbeki. He currently serves as Deputy President of South Africa and of the African National Congress.

These leaders spoke of how proud they were of the team for representing South Africa in Milan and for bringing home the Milan Cup, which Martin Afrika presented to Deputy President Motlanthe while at Parliament.

Kgalema Motlanthe with the team

Interviews for local news media

Taryn Aveley, FUWL regional coordinator with 2009 team captain, "Mabuthi"

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril

Winners of the Milan Cup!

South Africa is officially the winner of the 2009 Milan Cup!  This is the third division trophy and is a great victory for SA.  They played a fantastic final game against Malawi.  The crowds were chanting for South Africa, waving their flag–some of their friends from other teams even wore SA’s warm up suits in support of South Africa.  They played a focused and solid game and won 9-1.  It was a day to celebrate in Milan, completed by the first place Homeless World Cup victory, won by the Ukraine team.

As the players head back to South Africa, the weight of unknown futures is heavy in the air.  Some go home to organizations or family members yet others head back unsure of what will come next.  The return from this amazing event is often challenging.  In a world and economy that is difficult for all, these men are no exception.  With trophy in hand and a deeper sense of self, they return to their home country to seek new opportunities for their futures.

I am daily overwhelmed and inspired by their resilient and hopeful spirits.  As we head back to the States, their presence will surely be missed.

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril

]]> http://www.streetballfilm.com/2009/09/15/sa-won/feed/ 1 http://www.streetballfilm.com/2009/09/12/winning-streak/ http://www.streetballfilm.com/2009/09/12/winning-streak/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:47:24 +0000 admin http://www.streetballfilm.com/?p=2497 South Africa has come back with a force!  Winning today against the USA and Romania, South Africa is going on to compete for the third division cup, playing against Malawi!  Tomorrow’s a big day….

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril

Posing with Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 racer

The last few days have been quite eventful including a visit from British Formula 1 racer, Lewis Hamilton, an excursion to San Siro Stadium and a day at the pool.  Asanda was injured and after a visit to the emergency room, realized he won’t be able to play for the rest of the tournament.

Today the players entered the field ready to enjoy themselves against Germany and took the game! At one point, the team was left with only 2 players on the field when Martin was taken out of the game.  Also, the goal keeper was pulled out for negative behavior and Ephraim was put in as a substitute.  With Asanda injured, Martin out, and an unpracticed goal keeper, they managed to focus in and score enough to win in the end!  Colin and Thulisile scored a series of impressive goals and Ephraim and Rushaad defended well against their opponent.  Tomorrow they play Romania to compete for one of the lower level trophies.

South Africa vs. Ghana

Asanda is injured and must sit out the rest of the tournament

Ephraim taking over as goal keeper, helping to win the game against Germany

Lewis Hamilton visits the Homeless World Cup

Colin and Cheslyn at San Siro Stadium

Martin at San Siro Stadium, home of AC Milan

A break at the pool

Posing with the Homeless World Cup

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril

–Christina Ghubril

Blog and photos by Christina Ghubril