This would be our last full day in Johannesburg. Everyone has mixed feelings about leaving.  Friends and family are truly missed, but it’s hard to leave this behind.  We got used to the people and scenery and will miss everything about this country.  Unfortunately it’s almost time to say goodbye.  Our last day brings us to Sun City. 

Sun City is a town located in the middle of a mountain range two hours away from Johannesburg.  Loaded with plenty of activities, it’s a popular tourist destination.  We spread out into groups and set out on different activities. 

Some people decided to enjoy the beautiful water sports offered in a lake near the mountain.  Others booked a tee time at a prestigious Golf Course (Gary Player Country Club).  And some just decided to walk around and tour the huge resort.  There were plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.  Some of the players went jet skiing and others went horse back riding. It was a perfect day to finish off our adventure.  Sun City is truly an oasis located in the middle of nowhere almost reminiscent of Las Vegas.

After we are done with Sun City we have a long ride back to the hotel for our farewell dinner with all of the staff and players present.  After the dinner we have a touching ceremony where everyone gave a short speech about their experiences in South Africa.  Many of the players took the opportunity to thank each other and the staff for their hard work.  Some shared their experiences spanning from Cape Town to Johannesburg.  No matter who came up to speak, emotions were running high. 

All of us reflected back on our time in this country.  We can never forget the scenery of Cape Town, the beauty of the mountains and the ocean, which provided us with so many opportunities for pictures.  Our clinic for the children of Cape Town was a blast.  Players signing autographs and giving away balls and t-shirts made for a rewarding experience.  The warmth of our hosts is something that we will cherish as we reflect back on Cape Town.  A visit to local restaurant Moya is an experience that many of us will not soon forget. 

Johannesburg also provided us with many memories.  We will always remember a touching tour through the town of Soweto.  The people and the history of Soweto have taught us a lot about the history of South Africa as well as the courage of its people.  Our visit to Coronation Hospital was an emotional visit filled with the joy of giving to underprivileged kids of Africa.  It made us more aware of a scary epidemic, which has paralyzed the country and its youth.  The clinic for the children was once again filled with amazing experiences.  We experienced the passion for the game of soccer in South Africa through the kids at the clinic.  Their singing and dancing inspired all of us and showed us that South Africa has a bright future.  Our hosts in this town were once again gracious and we all appreciated their efforts to plan the games and make our tour memorable.  The visit to Pilansburg National Park was an experience like no other.  The open jeep safari is something that you will see in movies, and it became a reality for 30 people from New York.

There is so much more to discover in South Africa.  But our time here has come to an end.  We all thank this beautiful country for hosting us and teaching us about its culture.  Maybe we will be back here for 2010 World Cup!

“This was very good experience for me as a student and as an athlete.  I got a chance to come to South Africa and play against  a lot of young kids with great potential.  I didn’t expect to see Africa as beautiful as it actually is.”

Dukens Riche- York College

“I learned a lot from this trip, I think I have another 17 friends for life.  I shared a lot with them and they shared a lot with me, and that was an amazing experience. I learned a lot about South Africa”

                                                                                    Kafui Kouakou – York College

“I enjoyed myself very much.  There are a few things that I will remember for the rest of my life.  Soweto and visiting the Hector Pieterson museum were highlights.  I can’t explain how it feels to see what my black brothers and sisters had to go through”

                                                                                    Lindel Pope- KCC

“I came to South Africa without having any expectations.  So I am not going home disappointed.  The clinic, the hospitals, the tours, the sites. South Africa is a beautiful place.  There are some sites that you don’t want to see but if you come here you have to see them.  And all in all it was a good trip.  I want to thank Zak and everyone else who made it possible.”

                                                                                    Thomas Murdoch- Baruch

“I had a really great time in Cape Town and Johannsburg.  I think I will go back to Cape Town in the summer not in the winter.  I want to thank everybody, including the coaches who I learned a lot from.  Everything was perfect.  It was an unbelievable time.”

                                                                                    Caner Yilmaz – Baruch

“I just want to give thanks to CUNY.  It was an honor being here.  I learned so much about soccer and it was a great experience for my life, and good memories.  This trip helped me a lot and when I go back to the United States I’m going to appreciate more of what the United States offers me.  It was great honor to be here."

                                                                                      Jhonny Osorio- QCC