Hlokomela: A Soccer Tournament South Africans Can Actually Afford
Looking to give the community a way to participate, and to further Hlokomela's mission, Vorono came up with the idea of a soccer tournament for farm workers that would double as an educational event and HIV testing clinic. The tournament, which starts June 20, will feature local squads—"most of the farms in the area have teams," Vorono says—facing off at an area pitch, and women's netball matches will also be held. At the event, a speaker will address HIV and AIDS issues, condoms will be distributed, and counseling and testing will be available on-site. Hlokomela will also stage a "themed drama." For Vorono, who wonders if the Cup will actually bring lasting benefits to South Africa, the tournament is a way to guarantee that, for at least one community, soccer can help.