During previous dispensations, the Heideveld LFA was frowned upon, in shambles, and made headlines for all the wrong reasons
But one has to admit, since the appointment of Roger Fortune, who succeeded Ian Pakoe as president of the LFA, there’s been a transformation of note.
In fact, there’s tangible optimism at the LFA as things are looking bright again for the football public in Heideveld – on and off the field.
Furthermore, no one can deny that Fortune has, in a short space of time, changed the fortunes for the better and restored some credibility and this is a testament of his leadership and vision.
Those who know Fortune can vouch “Mr Big” as he is affectionately known, is a giver, not a taker.
However, Fortune conceded he has one burning desire as leader of the LFA. – and that is to have the darling of Heideveld, the ABC Motsepe outfit Junction Rovers, who are also the most senior team in Heideveld, back at his LFA. To him, that would be the cherry on top
“We would love it if Junction could come back to our LFA,” Fortune revealed to No Bones with Jones. “I mean, I would love it personally if Junction can come back to its roots and to help build Heideveld LFA back into the powerhouse they used to be in the seventies and eighties.
“Because at the end of the day, if we do get these clubs and people together, it will be brilliant if I can be honest with you. But at the same time, we also know they are at a (Rygate) LFA where there is a very good structure and they are also doing wonderfully there.
Fortune further explained: “But I think It will just make sense to have a level higher for our talent in the area to aspire to – and this way we get to keep our players in the area. I can tell you, the talent is definitely here, but with nothing to aspire to, we find gangsters luring our youngsters.
“We need to strategise how we collectively can overcome the challenges at the LFA and how do we do that? By aligning with the common vision that we all have and that is to empower our juniors and give them an opportunity to go further. People must not think about themselves but the youth who need the necessary opportunities.
“That’s why we have these gangsters taking over as the laaities don’t see the opportunities anymore. But now, if they can have Junction at Heideveld LFA, they have Young Pirates, they have Goal50 and now Everton as well, you know. So, each club has a different vision and will have something different for each boy or each child, but there are options and alternatives for them to start to believe and dream again, you know,” Fortune stated.
Fortune, who led Pirates to promotion to the Third Division last season, emphasized that their project is a collective one.
“Let me make this clear, it’s not about us, or me, or the executive, but rather what we build in the community, you know. It’s what we sow and how we achieve our objectives as a collective. Everton’s promotion to the Third Division was the goal we reached for the season, as Everton is one of the big names, just like the Battswoods and Glenville, as they were big names in the Cape Town region for years, and they deserve to be there
“Our next ambition is to work on the junior set-up and the empowerment of women’s football as that is lacking a bit at our LFA. We want to empower more women, as without them in the community…. In fact, the women are leading the young kids, you know.
“And when we start changing our mindsets, we will reap the fruits of our labour. Look, the clubs are seeing the goal and buying into the vision now and are working together as a club to empower the youth – and there is more to come, I’m telling you there is more to come!
