He is 13, frail and bedridden with Leukamia. His poor parents haven’t visited him

for a while. He has been on his hospital bed for the past six months and undergoing

chemotherapy that at least brings relief to his pain. His nurses tell me that he never

stops praising his favourite team Amakhosi every time he sees them on television.

Like any other boy who grows up in South Africa, Andiles’ dream has always been to

play football and rise to become a superstar. In his sickly bed, he has expressed a wish

to meet his superstars that he has known from watching TV.

Today, he saw his dream come to pass as our “10111” paid him a visit. His

eyes brightened, his smile eased his pain as he lovingly gave his hero a brave bear hug.

For a moment the ward came to life as nurses and other patients joined to celebrate a

dream fulfilled. Andile’s bed looked like a shrine as Arthur presented him with the

Amakhosi cap, a flag, autographed pictures, a t/shirt, some sweets and a huge soccer ball.

I watched this through my hazy eye when I considered how many of us do not realize how

lucky we are to see another day without undergoing any kind of treatment.

Earlier this day, Arthur and all his colleagues conducted soccer clinics at

the John Langalibalele Dube sports centre in Inanda. The ground came alive when the

Amakhosi took to the pitch and shared their skills with young boys from Imbali YaMazulu

and Amaoti Primary schools.

Two hours of fun and excitement is all it took to make dreams come true to many who had

come to witness the drama unfold. Some adults could not hide their excitement as they

pressed the little ones just to shake and touch their heroes. Their biggest dream is to

see Amakhosi lift the Vodacom Challenge Cup on Sunday 27th July 2005. Perhaps this will

further brighten Andile’s day and bring hope to all those who aspire to become like

Arthur and his team-mates.

Thebe Mohatle (Mr)


Communications Manager, PRO


Inanda, Durban