How often do you find not one but two soccer stars in one family?
A Matroosfontein family are appealing for assistance after BOTH sons were chosen to attend two soccer tournaments abroad, at a cost of R90 000.
Stepbrothers and soccer fanatics Jordan Solomon, 13, from Bridgeville Primary and Jihaad Waggie, 14, from Rylands High were chosen to attend the TTD Super Cup in Dubai from 15 to 18 April, as well as the Manchester Cup in Manchester, England from 20 to 21 April.
Their mother, Althea Solomon, says although she’s very proud of her boys, they are under a lot of pressure as each boy needs R44 500 for the trip, which includes flights, accommodation, food and sporting apparel.
“We got the documentation in October and we were extremely overwhelmed with happiness and pride,” she says.
“However, there is so much pressure to raise all these monies.
“We have been struggling to find sponsorship and donations for the boys.”
There are seven children in the household, including a baby girl, as well as Althea’s grandchildren.
CONFIRMATION: Invite to play overseas
The proud mother says she just wants the boys to experience “the opportunity of a lifetime”.
“Soccer is their passion. Our family life revolves around the soccer season or the five-a-side soccer tournaments on weekends,” she says.
“They have to play with their ball inside the house as I cannot let them play outside as the area we live in is too dangerous.
“I really just want them to go abroad and enjoy this.”
Jordan, who has been playing soccer since the age of six and plays left wing, says he is very excited about his trip.
“I cannot wait to go to Manchester as my favourite team is Manchester United.
“My favourite player in the world is Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, known as Neymar Jr,” Jordan says shyly.
Supporting opposing team Liverpool, Jihaad, adds: “I have been playing soccer since the age of five. I am very excited and I hope to be like Steven Gerrard and be a midfielder as great as him.”
If you would like to assist the family, contact Althea on 083 528 3770 or Siraaj on 066 227 7225.