Soccer in Soweto

Calm Before the Storm — Members of four primary schools in Johannesburg’s Soweto township wait for the beginning of a neighborhood soccer tournament organized by IMB missionaries in South Africa.

Tournament Organizer — IMB missionary Zach Townsend gives last minute instructions to members of the “Spain” soccer team. The tournament was organized to build community, develop relationships and provide an opportunity to share the Gospel.

Four neighborhood soccer teams faced off in the tournament: Mayibuye Primary School, donning Brazil jerseys; Bonamelo Primary School, playing as Spain; Obed Mosianne Primary School, as South Africa; and Hector Peterson Primary School, playing as Germany.

Coin Toss — Captains of Bonamelo Primary School’s team, Spain (left), and Hector Peterson Primary School’s team, Germany, toss the coin in hopes of gaining an advantage in the tournament.

Family Fun — Family members enjoy a leisurely Saturday afternoon watching the tournament.

Cheering Their Team — Kids from four local elementary schools in Johannesburg’s Soweto township cheer on their classmates during the soccer tournament. The plastic “vuvuzela” is a popular noisemaker at South African sporting events.

Team Support — Sidelined members of Obed Mosianne Primary School’s soccer team, South Africa, show support for their teammates out of the field.

“Brazil” Passion — The coach of Mayibuye Primary School’s team, Brazil, tries to fire up his players prior to the final round of the tournament. Team Brazil placed first in the event.

Face Off — Members of team South Africa and team Germany battle for control of the ball.

Important Support — Older brothers and friends show their support by attending the tournament, which was for players 11 years and younger.

Final Showdown — A player of Mayibuye Primary School, donning Brazil’s jersey (right), and Bonamelo Primary School, playing Spain (left), battle it out over possession of the ball. Brazil won the tournament.

Victory — Players of Mayibuye Primary School’s team, Brazil, celebrate after taking the first place trophy in the tournament.

Evangelistic Outreach — Although Brazil won the first place prize, a trophy was presented to each team participating in the tournament. The Gospel was also shared with the teams and their fans.

Christian Sports Newspaper — Missionary organizers of the tournament distributed copies of a newspaper containing testimonies of Christian athletes in hopes of strengthening a nearby Baptist church and initiating a new church start in the area.