Success stories in soccer, rugby and cricket have resulted in Helenvale becoming a beacon of light for children and youths in trying social circumstances.
There are negative connotations attached to Helenvale, but the good that comes out of the area often falls through the cracks.
Burgeoning sporting talent is one of the areas that requires highlighting, as there is an abundance of it that thrives despite social ills.
Just recently, Helenvale United were crowned the Northern Areas Football Association Easter Tournament soccer champions, an achievement that has chests in the suburb bursting with pride.
Helenvale United was established in 1985 and is celebrating its 40th year of existence.
What was born as a very small club has morphed into one of the biggest and most respected, successful clubs in Gqeberha.
The club has 15 teams from U7s through to seniors, women's teams as well as an over-35 outfit. More than 250 players from the club are actively involved in competitions.
But despite all the success, they remained humble, according to club chair Sandro Russell.
“The year began well for us. Our U9, U19 and senior teams all won their divisions at the Easter tournament.
“Our U17 team has won six trophies this past season. That makes them the dominant team in their division.
“Almost all the teams won their opening league games, and our senior team is aiming for top position once again.
“The majority of the players are from Helenvale. However, we also have a few players from other suburbs because a lot of the youngsters want to be part of the club.
“The Helenvale Sports Pavilion, next to the busy Stanford Road, is the club's home ground. It is a nightmare for teams to play there because we seldom lose at home.
“We share the field with the Helenvale Rugby Club, which is also very successful. The slogan of the community for the club is Helenvale of Niks [Helenvale or Nothing].
“Teams are sometimes reluctant and scared to come and play in Helenvale. But the warmth and passion they encounter here give them a lot of respect for our club and the area.
“The positive spirit and warm atmosphere are appreciated by all visiting teams.
“The energy behind each game is our magnificent maroon army, who fills the stadium each week. We have financial challenges as well as equipment and transport challenges.
“Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the donors who help the children with various issues.”
Russel said they are planning a year-end gala to celebrate their 40th year.
Their vision is further development of coaches, being more professional, to have a stronger association with local businesses and to partake in elite tournaments.
‘We are very proud to have players like Rivaldo Johnson, Duwayne Plaatjies, Keanu Prince, Warren Alexander and Keanu Stevens who played in the ABC Motsepe League. Juan Dickeson, who joined us at U9, is now part of Chippa United's Diski team.
“He is on the verge of a big breakthrough. We also have three referees in the Nafa league and a lot of referees with their Safa D licence, which shows we are serious with development.”
Apart from soccer, the rugby and cricket clubs have also enjoyed success.
Helenvale United Rugby Club president Owen Didloff is proud of the club's achievements.
They were crowned regional league winners of the Subunions of EP Rugby for 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“We were also crowned Mayoral Cup Champions for 2024. The club was promoted to the Adams Cup in 2024 and was also crowned as the champions.
“This year we were promoted to the Grand Challenge Cup,” Didloff said.
“The club's most important goal and focus is to change the mindset of these young men who are daily faced with gangsterism, poverty and unemployment.
“We want to give them hope and confidence and instil in them the belief that anything is possible and that they can rise above their circumstances.”
A player who has emerged with distinction from Helenvale United Cricket Club is fast bowler Dayalan Boyce.
His exploits on the cricket field saw him progress from Helenvale UCC to the Gelvandale Hub for promising players.
Later, he was awarded a bursary to attend Westville Boys' High School in KwaZulu-Natal, after which he achieved selection to the SA U19 squad for a tour of Namibia in April.
His story underlines the power of sport and Helenvale United Cricket Club will be hoping to produce more players of his quality after gaining promotion to the EP Cricket Premier League for next season.
The Herald
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