Guests of honour at the World Premiere of the South African film, “More Than Just A Game’, which took place in Durban on 23 November as part of the activities surrounding the Preliminary Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, were Deputy President Pumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter.
Also in attendance were Ministers Essop Pahad, Jeff Radebe, Makhenkesi Stofile; Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad; KZN premier, Sbu Ndebele; KZN MECs Zweli Mkize, Ina Cronje and Mtholephi Mthimkhulu; Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Durban, Obed Mlaba and Deputy, Logie Naidoo.
Produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring and directed by Junaid Ahmed, “More Than Just A Game’ tells the dramatic and little-known story of organised football played among prisoners on Robben Island. It stars Presley Chweneyagae (“Tsotsi’), Wright Ngubeni (“Generations’) and Tshepo Maseko (“Isidingo’).
At the event, Blatter presented a certificate of honorary membership of FIFA to the Robben Island football league and the Makana Football Association. Accepting the certificate were former chairmen of the Association, Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, Dikgang Moseneke, politician and business personality, Tokyo Sexwale and the five former prisoners through whom the story of “More Than Just A Game’ is told, viz. Tony Suze, Lizo Sitoto, Mark Shinners, Sedick Isaacs and Marcus Solomon.
Said Blatter, “Tonight is a night of memory – memory of the amazing history of the Makana Football Association, founded on Robben Island along FIFA rules, principles and statutes. And this memory of playing football, more importantly to create on this island, a space of dignity, respect and democracy. It is also 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 and the lesson of football played on Robben Island as we see in “More Than Just A Game’. I would like to praise the producer of this movie, Anant Singh; the director, Junaid Ahmed, the actors and all those who made this movie a reality.’
Danny Jordaan, CEO of the FIFA 2010 Local Organising Committee commented, “The movie captures the essence of the contribution of football to the struggle. “More Than Just A Game’ captures part of that journey. It is an incredible experience. It was just wonderful to have the international audience here to share some insight into our struggle and our history.’
Producer Anant Singh said, “We are thrilled to have had the World Premiere of “More Than Just A Game’ in front of an audience of the local and international football world, but more importantly people who have contributed so greatly to South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. The film is a tribute to the people on Robben Island who fought for the privilege to play football. The film demonstrates our continent’s love for the game, validating the FIFA World Cup finally coming to Africa. We thank FIFA and the SA 2010 Local Organising Committee for the opportunity to showcase our film during the Preliminary Draw weekend.’
“More Than Just A Game’ is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Telkom Media, Filmex (Pty) Ltd, Distant Horizon, and the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa. It is executive produced by Sudhir Pragjee and Sanjeev Singh and produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring with Chuck Korr, Lord Ted Rowlands, Double Jab Productions and Hannelie Bekker co-producing. The score is composed by Vusi Mahlasela and Brendan Jury. The screenplay is written by Tom Eaton.
