Statement from Manyora SFC founding President Mtutu Masiza.

I had been speaking to some guys for over months about a formation of a soccer team. I had always been clear that the aim and objective would be physical fitness. I struggled a great deal as the guys were more concerned about golfing and beers.

Everything fell into place when one day I bumped into Lulu and friends at a petrol filling station at Greenpoint. I approached him and, after some convincing that I was not xenophobic, Lulu and friends opened up to me. I visited their training ground and subsequently exchanged numbers.

Before me at the numerous soccer fields were soccer teams of foreign nationals who were training separately - according to respective nationalities, I observed.

I was then able to mobilise all the guys I had ever spoken to for a Sunday morning meeting at the old Hellenic sports ground and, as usual, 99% arrived nursing serious hang overs. I was able to get them to agree to part with some bucks in order to organise a kit. Needless to say, some guys never pitched up after that meeting.

Our first game was against the Burundians. They were superbly fit and walloped us by a margin of about 7 goals. Our spouses were there to cheer us up. Despite the loss, we were very satisfied that we showed that we still have some element of skill left over from our past.

Over time the team was supported by a core - Puso, Eric, Bushy, Ramurunzi, Mbulelo, Mpumi, Zimaso, Bra Peter, Bennito etc. We continously recruited players who would come and play once in a while and disappear. Eventually we were joined by guys who became stalwarts such as Kainja, Kangwa etc.

The focus was from the ontset about the social aspect of the game. In this regard, we engaged work teams, university teams, other Sunday league teams etc. We also engaged in some tournaments. We made a lot of friendships along the way and I suspect some lasting to this day.

At times proceeded the team also started to become a bit more serious - hence we started fixturing in some social leagues. Kainja and Ramurunzi played a big part in this regard. This was good in that it gave a sense of direction - no longer did a game depend on a day to day phone discussion to see if there was any opponent available.

The Acasia Park Mountain Wolves played a big role in the development of Manyora. If all else failed by way of getting game time at the earlier stages, we could rely on them for availability.

Again I must commend the guys who ran with the process of giving shape and structure to Manyora. I could not believe when I saw guys pitching in and assisting financially those who were less fortunate financially, so they could get their own boots and kits.

Forming Manyora took a monumentous effort on the part and those involved. Since I left Cape Town I have tried over the years to come up with some form of franchise of Manyora to no avail. Also, guys just do not appreciate how expensive it is in the pocket to be calling, running after guys etc just to form a team.

Well, I recall a discussion after a game with Zidakwa FC. Some of our guys were a bit pissed off about the loss. We impressed upon the guys that the SOCIAL in the team name was not a mistake and had to be adhered to strictly. It was as if we had a million rands in a cup final. That was not good for the spirit of the team.

I have kept in touch with Manyora Social FC by following the website on occasion. I am happy to be associated with the team and, should I succeed in my efforts to be transferred to CT, I will definitely rejoin. I still have my goalkeeping and infield shirts and gloves.

By the way, it was also critical to use the Manyora platform as a means to interact with our foreign counterparts. From the engagement outside of the games, we were able to have a feel of who our counterparts were and how they came to be in the country and their circumstances back home. After a while, we were able to tap into their playing resources to augment Manyora when facing tough teams - more so in tournaments. I would hope that we left a positive impression on them that it is not of us who have a phobia for our brothers and sisters of our continent.

Having said that, I must hasten to indicate that we never made any inroads with the Nigerian groups. Initial attempts to engage with them were always rebuffed. As a result, there was always a negative attitude towards them, reciprocated by suspicion on their part as to our motives. Well, I would not be sure how it eventually panned out.

I would love to see the latest team picture on the website soon.

Regards from LENYORA FOR LIFE!
Masiza
Founding President
P.S

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