A film telling the inspiring and little-known story of organised soccer
played among prisoners on Robben Island opened country-wide on Friday.
Produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring and directed by Junaid Ahmed,
‘More Than Just A Game’ stars Presley Chweneyagae from the
Oscar-winning Tsotsi, as well as Wright Ngubeni and Tshepo Maseko.
Through the eyes of five former prisoners; Mark Shinners, Anthony Suze, Lizo Sitoto, Sedick Isaacs and Marcus Solomon, the movie tells the story of the formation of a football league, the Makana Football Association (MFA) on Robben Island during the 1960’s.
The World Premiere of More Than Just a Game was screened at the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw in Durban during November 2007.
The premiere was attended by special guests, including Deputy President Phumzile-Mlambo Ngcuka and FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
Speaking about the film Blatter said, “Tonight is a night of the celebration of football, this universal game of passion and emotion for billions of fans for whom it is much more than just a game, since it unites us in a world which is increasingly becoming more divided.”
“The football values of solidarity, democracy, discipline and respect for all should be more than ever preserved, protected and fought for. This is the lesson of the Makana Football Association,” he added.
Blatter presented the Makana Football Association with a certificate of honorary membership to FIFA.
The MFA is said to have developed into an outlet and symbol of the prisoners’ passion and commitment to discipline. The film’s synopsis describes the MFA as a “training ground not only for the body but for the political soul, where the principles of negotiation and dialogue [were] practiced and entrenched.”
Speaking to GoingPlaces.co.za, Suze who was imprisoned on Robben Island for 15 years and was also one of the founding members of the MFA, echoes this sentiment when he speaks of the stone quarry that became the centre of every prisoner’s life.
“Everything happened at this quarry – this was our communal life. Lessons took place; the soccer games reviewed and teams decided upon; and if there was any disciplinary action needed for the players, this is where it was decided. Even political differences were resolved.”
Politicians and leading figures who played in MFA include Minister of Defence ‘Terror’ Lekota, the Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa Dikgang Moseneke, ANC President Jacob Zuma and business leader Tokyo Sexwale.
Prisoners who include Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and Walter Sisulu were among those who were kept in isolation and thus barred from watching or participating in the soccer league.
The MFA existed up until the close of Robben Island in 1991.
For more information visit the movie's official website .
More Than Just a Game can be seen at the following NuMetro Cinemas.
Gauteng:
Brightwater, Nu Metro MonteCasino, Nu Metro Benoni, Southgate, Menlyn Park, Hatfield, Sterland, Riverside (Nelspruit)
KwaZulu Natal:
Nu Metro Pavilion, The Wheel
Western Cape:
Nu Metro V&A, N1 City, Canal Walk, Cavendish Nouveau, V&A Nouveau, Cinema Starz Grandwest
Eastern Cape:
Cinema Starz Boardwalk
