Mark Sochen (pictured right), store manager of Build it Bothasig has realised that hosting a Build-it under-13 Festival, is no stroll in the park.
The Bothasig outlet will be making its debut as host of this primary school event which takes place at the Bosmansdam Primary School on Saturday (21 October).
Despite the challenges, Sochen – who has been in charge of the Bothasig branch for the previous five years – says he is embracing them and looking forward to the festival that is seeking to build tomorrow’s football stars.
Besides running the day-to-day operations at his store, Sochen, along with his dedicated staff, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and running around to ensure that they put together a successful event.
“This is all new to us and I must say that we are enjoying the fact that we can be part of this initiative,” Sochen said.
“We were supposed to host the event a few years ago but then Covid struck. So, now is our time to give back and to strengthen our relationships with the community – and also to build new relationships, you know.”
Being an avid sports person himself and having done the gruesome ” Ironman” event in Port Elizabeth a couple of years ago (2012), Sochen knows all too well the importance of having a balanced lifestyle.
“I think the important thing is to provide a platform and opportunity for the kids to be able to excel and to express themselves,” he further added.
“But not forgetting to have fun as well and to form new friendships and to leave a lasting impression,” Sochen concluded.
