A unique opportunity

Australian Football has been hailed as the new sport for the new South Africa

A unique opportunity exists in South Africa for the AFL to establish a significant international presence, sustainable long-term at a low cost, and with potential for growth in participation and ultimately the recruitment of athletes by AFL club.

South Africa gained its independence 10 years ago. The South African Government, under its policy of empowerment, encourages the introduction of new sports, particularly those with a history of encouraging multicultural involvement.

AFL South Africa is formally affiliated with the AFL to pursue the sport as the major football code. Former Victorian Minister for Sport and Melbourne premiership player Brian Dixon is chairman of AFL South Africa.

The current program was introduced to South Africa’s North West Province in 2001, through the joint efforts of Australian Volunteers International and the AFL. This followed a visit to the province in 1997 by the Australian Defence Force, headed by Major Marty Alsford, now a member of the AFL International Development Committee.

In 1998, the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle played a pre-season match at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town in front of 10,000 people.

The program, which has developed steadily thanks to volunteer development officers, is part of the North West Academy of Sport, with Steve Harrison as full-time head coach.

The AFL has increased its support, allowing the appointment of Jean Verster (executive officer), July Machette (junior development officer) and Phindile Khambule (office manager). Mtutzeli Hlomela – who played a season with Sturt in the SANFL – will take over as head coach when Harrison returns home in September.

The funding has allowed 11 district leagues consisting of junior and senior clubs to be established in the North West Province, with 3000 registered players.

Plans over the next five years include expanding into four other provinces to establish Australian Football as a mainstream sport.

The South Africa team played in the 2002 International Cup but failed to win a match. We are looking for our first win in international competition, having also competed in the Under-16 Jim Stynes Cup in Canberra in 1998.

This year’s squad features Afrikaans and coloured players, together with Tswana, Zulu and Xhosa players.

In addition to help from the AFL, AFL South Africa is receiving significant support from Tattersall’s, the North West Province Government, the North West Academy of Sport, Sports Coaches Outreach South Africa, Australian Volunteers International and the South African Lotteries Commission. Contributions from these organisations helped make this trip possible.