Following his sweep at the 2015/16 Kaizer Chiefs’ Players Awards, today Willard “Salt and Vinegar” Katsande and Vodacom handed over R50 000.00 to Edenvale based charity organisation COMPASS (Community Provision and Social Services).

Vodacom provided an additional R 50 000 for the Vodacom Fans Player of the Year Award so that the winning player could donate the prize money to a charity of their choice. This is in keeping with Vodacom’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of South Africans.

“We have been able to change quite a bit of our crèche since you were last here and this is because of generous donation that you gave to us. We cannot do it alone as COMPASS and we are grateful for the support from Mr. Katsande and Vodacom. We would like to say thank you and promise that all the donations you make will go to the kids,” said Janine Juries, Senior Consultant COMPASS.

COMPASS was founded in 2004 by Dr. Jude Martin and his wife, Debbie to assist abused and abandoned women and children. COMPASS currently looks after 101 children and women and has been divided into a Day Care Centre and four homes where they provide shelter and meals.

“We are so pleased that, through our partnership with Kaizer Chiefs, we can help players contribute to causes that are close to their hearts. Vodacom has always placed a strong emphasis on the importance of giving back to communities and we are proud to use our sponsorships as a vehicle to empower a charity that’s doing great work,” said Rowen Gangulu – Vodacom Football Manager Sponsorships

COMPASS runs a number of upliftment programs to assist people that deserve a second chance in life by taking care of them and helping them to change their lives. One of the programmes at COMPASS allows women to undergo a two-year training programme that will enable them to find employment and gain their independence.

“I chose this orphanage before, they are my choice because of a few aspects some of course is that there are Zimbabwean orphans in the group. Also the last time I chose this orphanage they became a lucky charm, we won the double that season and my individual performance was superb as well. Obviously it reminds me of my early years when life was not rosy as I come from an impoverished background and my efforts here will bring hope to the kids,” said Willard Katsande.

“We are confident that this contribution from Willard’s prize money, will go a long way in assisting the centre with the important work they do and make a meaningful difference to the people they support. This donation is an example of how sport has the power to make a change in society,” said Gangulu.