SAIAB High Intensity (futsal*) Training Programme

 

SAIAB Ladies team with then couch Sherwyn Mack

 SAIAB is an institute with a high number of young(ish) staff, students and interns who have, for some time, bemoaned the lack of some or other form of extramural engagement to burn up some of that youthful energy and provide an opportunity for us to mingle outside of the workplace. One answer to this call has come in the form of the SAIAB Men’s and Ladies’ Soccer teams that have been organised by the recently formed SAIAB High Intensity (futsal*) Training programme (S.H.I.(f.)T.). Other sports codes that may be considered by the programme, should enough interest be shown, include Night Bowls and Cricket.

 Interest in both teams has steadied substantially after a very shaky start and is reflected in training attendance and subsequently also in the results. The men’s team even boasts several international signings including two trans-Limpopo attackers and an Austrian midfielder in the form of visiting researcher Franz Ublein who has shown great enthusiasm, skill and experience. (In fact, Franz was one of those encouraging the formation of a soccer team in a previous visit to SAIAB in March.)

A mention must definitely go to the ladies’ team who, after going down 11-1 in their first game, recovered to concede a total of only 9 goals in all of their subsequent matches. Well done ladies, your improvement is due to practice, improved defence and killing the goat.

The men’s team won their first game recently with an effortless 2-0 over Cullen Bowels House. The leading scorer so far is Mandla Magoro.

 Developments in the running of the teams are that a coach and assistant coach have been appointed in Ndiviwe “Igesund” Baliwe and Bafo “Aag shame Pitso” Konqobe. The Political Liaison and Propaganda Officer is Nonceba “Goebbels” Mhlauli. An honorary member of S.H.I.(f.)T. is Director Angus Paterson since, in a show of support, SAIAB management has agreed to sponsor full team kit and a braai in celebration of every victory. (Please?) OK, the director has agreed to co-fund kit and has availed one SAIAB bakkie to take the ladies home after matches which often end around 21:00 on Fridays.

 It is envisioned that the programme will reside within the Wellness Committee and we would welcome any input regarding the soccer teams or other sports codes and suggestions. And of course sponsors. Sponsors are always welcome. Really.

 The next game will be on 19 September for the gents and 21 September for the Ladies. Fixtures are on the noticeboard and will be updated regularly. Certain results may also be posted on the noticeboard occasionally. Hopefully. Feel free to join the S.H.I.(f.)T. Fan Club and attend matches anytime. Thanks to the Fans, including the Director, who have already come to cheer the teams.

By Sherwyn C. Mack

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and will never ever be supported by anybody.)

*Futsal is small court soccer played indoors or, in our case, using indoor rules.