Former Manchester United and Dutch national goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar visited Diepkloof on Wednesday.
He kicked off the launch of two world-class Cruyff Courts aimed at empowering youth in South Africa’s underserved areas.
EDWIN VAN DER SAR IN DIEPKLOOF
The initiative is led by South African non-profit organisation Rhiza Babuyile. They work in partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, which blends sport with life skills to transform communities.
Van der Sar took penalties with local children at the Diepkloof site, marking the first of the two new courts.
The second will open in George, Western Cape, this Sunday. Both sites were selected for their potential to sustain youth programmes through strong local partnerships.
THE DIEPKLOOF COURT
The Diepkloof court is linked to the Zodwa Khoza Foundation and the George court, collaborating with Empower.
These Cruyff Courts go far beyond offering a place to play football. Designed as safe, inclusive spaces, they provide structured programmes that teach teamwork, discipline and leadership.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
These skills are essential for personal and social development. They also host workshops tackling pressing societal issues such as gang violence, drug abuse and gender inequality.
They also specifically cater for children with disabilities, according to the Cruyff Foundation.
Rhiza Babuyile, founder of Alef Meulenberg, explained that football is the entry point but not the end goal.
“The real outcomes are resilience, problem-solving and focus. These lessons last far beyond the pitch,” he said.
EDWIN VAN DER SAR ON ECONOMIC INEQUALITY
Speaking at the opening, van der Sar emphasised the project’s importance.
“Every young person deserves a safe place to play sports. Here, the Cruyff Court offers hope, connection and opportunity. Through sport, they discover strength, confidence and dreams.”
This initiative comes at a time when South Africa continues to grapple with economic inequality.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
By investing in youth through high-quality sports infrastructure and sustainable, community-led programmes, organisations like Rhiza Babuyile are helping to break cycles of poverty.
They also offer tangible growth opportunities.
Since the first international Cruyff Court opened in 2004, the model has proven successful globally.
These latest openings in Diepkloof and George reinforce South Africa’s commitment to youth empowerment, showing that sport can be a powerful tool for community building.