About thirty members of the sports club are representing Mauritius in a prestigious competition taking place in the country of quadruple world champions.
Imminent take-off
Thirty-four young football players from the Moka Rangers Sports Club, aged 12 to 14, will be flying out to Germany on July 3rd to compete in the U13 and U14 tournament in Heidelberg, a city located in the south-west of the country. The announcement was made during a press conference at ENL House on June 22nd. Uwe Hollmichel, President of SGK Heidelberg, was in attendance, and seized the opportunity to meet the young Mauritian players, their parents and their coaches.
A close collaboration
This trip is the climax of a 3-year long partnership with the German club. Above all, it symbolises the fulfilment of the Moka Rangers team’s passionate dream. Christopher Honglin, Football Coordinator at Moka Rangers Sports Club, a multidisciplinary sports club, explains the approach: “We have been working on an exchange program with SGK Heidelberg since 2016. The idea is to encourage cultural sharing, cross-cultural encounters and discoveries with the aim of strengthening peaceful coexistence in societies.”
A one-of-a-kind experience
He adds: “Beyond the sporting aspect, this tournament embodies beautiful human values. Encouraging our young ones to live these moments is a step towards helping them build themselves up. On the personal front, and before long, on the professional front.” One third of these players (11 out of 34) come from underprivileged backgrounds in different parts of the island. This trip is much more than an opportunity; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and a golden opportunity to learn about the importance of sharing. This experience would not have been possible without the support of the sponsors: ENL Group, PwC and Power Sure.
A strong line-up
The bar at this year’s tournament has been raised, with a strong line-up of illustrious clubs. For instance, Hoffenheim, whose first team has moved up to the Bundesliga (Germany’s primary football competition) and even to the Champions League last season. As they attempt to hold their own against the European elite, the Moka Rangers can count on the support of their twenty parent-supporters. Seven coaches will also be traveling with them. The young football players left no stone unturned in their preparation, redoubling their efforts in technical and tactical training sessions. Under the guidance of their coaches, but also with advice from SGK Heidelberg. Dynamics that are founded on passion and the sharing of experiences, which will no doubt be conducive to further advancing Mauritian football.
Related article:
MOKA TENNIS OPEN 2019: A successful first edition