27 September 2005
By Phindile Khambule
Brian Dixon is on his 10th visit to South Africa. He is the inaugural Chairperson of AFL South Africa and was responsible for setting up the Head Office in 17 Kerk Str, Potchefstroom.
Mr Dixon was formerly a Minister of Sport in Australia and a professional footballer for the Melbourne Football Club, playing in five Premierships and winning the Tassie Medal for the best player in Australia in the Brisbane Carnival in 1961.
Mr Dixon also coached the Kangaroos and was Chief Administrator of the Sydney Swans- the current AFL Premiership winners.
Categories: AFLSA Staff · Australian Volunteers · Development
27 September 2005
By Phindile Khambule
When I was in Australia, I played for Lyrup Lions football Club. It is situated in South Australia, River land in the little country town called Lyrup near Renmark and Mildura.
Besides playing footy, I was attending Coaching, Sport First Aid courses and also developing young players, who are called Auskicks around Australia. In my first three weeks of arrival, I played three games and broke my collarbone. It was too bad for me because I had to play in the International Cup that was held in Melbourne, Australia. I was the Vice Captain of our national team (South African Buffaloes), which represented South Africa and only managed to play one game against Spain. The team was very successful as it won against Japan, giving it two victories for 2005. In 2002 the team did not manage a single victory.
Although our team (Lyrup Lions) lost in the preliminary, it was really a great experience for me. Through my experience, I believe that I will give it back with developing the young ones in our Country. My wish is to develop Australian Football through out the country and inspire both males and females to be active in the Sport.
I would like to thank AFL South Africa who made it possible for me to go to Australia to gain more experience of football and also my Australian Sponsor, Mrs Betty Lloyd. In the future, Betty has promised to donate trophies for excellence in junior development of Australian Football in Itsoseng, Mafikeng, Ramatlabama and South Africa in general.
Categories: Development · Iternational Tours · Scholarships
20 September 2005
By Phindile Khambule
Saying goodbye to someone you have worked with for a long time is truly not an easy thing to do, especially when you’ve worked very well together.
Steven Harrison who has been working for AFLSA as Head Coach for 2 years is returning home to Australia on the 15th September 2005. It does not feel that long ago when we welcomed Steve to South Africa and now we have to say “Goodbye”! It just shows how fast time flies!
It has truly been wonderful knowing and working with Steve and many of us have learned a great deal from him. Looking back over the last couple of years from when Steve first arrived in South Africa, AFLSA has achieved a tremendous growth. His hard work and dedication will always be remembered by many whose lives he touched.
It is always nice to welcome volunteers from Australia but as soon as we get to know each of them, they have to leave!! Firstly it was Dale Alsford (first Development Officer in South Africa), then Garry Learmonth (second Development Officer), and now it’s Steven Harrison. Soon it will be Jack Arnold who is presently in South Africa and leaving next year in June. Obviously we would prefer that these fantastic people stay with AFL SA but life goes on and we would hope that all the success in the world will also follow Steve in his future endeavors. Footy in South Africa is growing fast and this is mostly to the fantastic work these people have put into the development of the game in SA! Thanks Guys, you will always be remembered!
Categories: Australian Volunteers
