[A] group of adventurous sixth formers from QEGS Penrith were unlucky in defeat during a match of a very different nature to what they are used to.
Played on the slopes of the Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland, during a rest from building a vegetable garden at a local day care centre for infants devastated by HIV/AIDs; the match was a celebration of the meeting of two different cultures meeting and coming together to do good.
The local team, playing in kits kindly donated by Dr Ian Marshall, were clearly used to playing of the dirt surface covered in animal dung; an early scruffy finish showing evidence of this. However, the makeshift eight-a-side team from Penrith put up a brave showing and came close to equalisers on numerous occasions.
Although initial disappointed of defeat was understandable, the greater picture was clearly seen: football being able to bridge a gap between two different populations in a match enjoyed by all who played and watched.
The locals were overwhelmed by the gift of kit and boots and were looking forward to being able to play more competitive matches in the local area on top of the hard work done at the local nursery by the 15 QEGS students and two teachers.
The travelling group then proceeded to a well-earned rest at Kruger National park following the completion of their project and then were successful in their trek through the Ngwempsi Gorge.
