What do you get when you invite shebeen owners and their patrons to play soccer against each other? The answer…a lot of fun, laughter and opportunities to Scrutinize! Saturday the 26th June (the day after the Protugal vs Brazil game) was a day to remember for Scrutinizers at Cato Manor’s Wiggins grounds. What started off as a friendly five-a-side soccer tournament, ended up being a competitive five-a-side festival. The message for the day, “reduce your risk of HIV infection by Scrutinizing your alcohol intake”.

Shebeens in Cato Manor came out not just to challenge each other through the game of soccer but to show their support for responsible alcohol consumption. Scrutinize messages were mixed with the Brother for Life’s “Yenza kahle” campaign, so on another level there was a challenge between the Scrutinizers and the Brothers for Life, since each team playing was kitted out with either of these soccer bibs. The best part of the day was the ball that was used for the games, the USAID TB/HIV ball representing the scourge of TB in the community and each time a goal was scored - TB literally got kicked out of Cato Manor.

The weather was supportive of the occasion with the sun making a welcome appearance as the crowd consisting mostly of males young an old came out of their houses to watch the game. The spectator support was so intense that Brazil and Portugal could have been playing right on that pitch and you wouldn’t notice the difference. Approximately 250 people were there “feeling it”, the joy of the game. Live commentary on each match was offered over the sound system and music was played in between matches to keep the crowd entertained. Some people even got tested by New Start who had arrived at the grounds in line with the national HCT campaign urging all to know their status.

So what’s next for the Cato Manor community? JHHESA partners, Footballers 4 Life and DramAidE together with KZN Youth Empowerment Project have worked to bring this soccer spectacle to life, now they’re on to tackle the dancers, musicians, singers and actors through their arts and cultural programme held every Wednesday and Friday of the World Cup. These activities at the Cato Manor Wiggins Hall will culminate in a Mr & Miss Scrutinize of Cato Manor on Friday 9th July, so come join in the fun. And for the brothers, we haven’t forgotten you; soccer tournaments will be played weekly leading up to the ultimate soccer final on Saturday 10th July, just before the World Cup is over. See you in Cato Manor!

By Karen Peters