Zambia
Football Changing Lives in Zambia
Rhodé Marshall hears the inspirational story of the exciting young team from ZambiaWhile the Zambian Homeless World Cup team represents their country, back home a new government is being elected. Making their debut this year, they have proven themselves to be capable of beating the odds, making it to the final of the City of Cape Town Cup.
Coming from a background where two thirds of the 11 million population lives on less than $1 a day these talented players dream of a better life and of developing their talents.
At least three quarters of Zambian street kids are orphaned at a young age and they are forced on to the streets. Midfielder, Richard Mapulanga,aged 22, had to move to the streets when both his parents passed away and now is forced to beg in order to eat. "Because of my bad financial situation, I decided to start playing soccer; I believe it is the only thing that will change my life."
The team is supported by the Zambian Youth Academy, an organization which aims to help street kids by allowing them to do something they love… sport.
Kaluwa Tembo, spokeswoman for the Zambian team, says the Zambian Youth Academy aims to develop sport skills to the Zambian street kids. "We want them to arise from their dead end situation and have happy lives."
Coming from one of the poorest countries in the world, the youthful enthusiasm of these players is an inspiration on the pitch, the team having only lost one of their games since the start of the tournament. It is in sport that their dreams lie, football offering a way to change the problems of their everyday lives.