For children like Likuwe Marasi (12), Cruyff Courts provide a place where they come together, to sport, to play and develop. One of our vibrant Cruyff Courts can be found in the Nyanga township, Cape Town. See Likuwe's story in the video.
Likuwe Marasi, 12 years, dribbles skillfully with a smile across his face on the Cruyff Court in Cape Town. Likuwe enjoys playing soccer and therefore also plays for the Phuhla under 13 development team. This is an amateur club at Nyanga Stadium. Besides playing soccer at Phuhla, he can be often found playing on the Cruyff Court in Cape Town. This provides a positive distraction from the violence that takes place in the neighborhood surrounding the Cruyff Court.
“My Neighborhood is not really a place where you feel at home.”
Likuwe describes his neighborhood as a place where violence and crime are common place. People steal, fight in the streets and even children are involved. Likuwe tries to be honest and good.
More then just a field
This Court opened in 2017 under the guidance of Danny Cruijff and our ambassador Ronald Koeman. The Cruyff Court in Cape Town quickly became more than a soccer field for the children in the neighborhood. The Cruyff Court provides a safe and supportive environment for children to develop their skills and talents. Likuwe also emphasizes this:
"The Cruyff Court is more than a soccer field. It is an opportunity to grow."
According to Likuwe, football has transformed the neighborhood since the construction of the Cruyff Court. On the Cruyff Court, children learn to have respect for each other. Where they used to fight with each other, today they stand together and play football.
Projects Africa
South Africa is a focus area for the Cruyff Foundation. For many children, especially those with disabilities, sports and games are not something they can take for granted. Currently there are 7 (Special) Cruyff Courts and several special facilities for children with disabilities. In November 2024, new Cruyff Foundation Coaches will be trained again. In the coming years, the Foundation wants to continue to grow here with the ambition of almost 20 Cruyff Courts and several disabled facilities by 2030 there. Strong local partners will make this growth possible. The projects in South Africa are currently supported by the Ndlovu Care Group, Afrika Tikkun, AFAS Foundation, Friends of Bambanani and Fijn Event.
Contribute to this growth? Then email farid@cruyff-foundation.org
Cruyff Court in Cape Town is due for renovation the next 2 years, for this we are still looking for partners.
We are continuing what Johan Cruyff started. #CruyffLegacy#CreatingSpace
Watch the video about Likuwe's story here: