Soccer in the Wilderness

“Sport has the power to change the world.  It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair” – Nelson Mandela

Gordon Gllbert is a professional soccer player (Kaizer Chiefs, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Moroka Swallows to name a few) and a wildlife enthusiast committed to making a difference. We are thrilled to have him as our new CITW Ambassador, combining the fun of sport with education and raising environmental awareness.

In November 2013, Gordon Gilbert and CITW ran soccer clinics and discussed conservation issues, including poaching and rhino conservation at Sinde Football Club and Twabuka Middle School in Zambia and Jabulani Primary in Zimbabwe.

Our next soccer clinics were held in Botswana in April 2014 and included clinics with Shashe Primary in Maun, in Sankuyo community and also with Wilderness Safaris and Wilderness Air staff in Maun.  In February 2015 we also completed more soccer clinics with Vumbura Plains Camp staff in the Okavango Delta and Wilderness Safaris and Wilderness Air staff (the Maun donkeys) in Maun.

In October 2015 Gordon ran two more clinics in Botswana: one at Shashe Primary School in Maun and another one at Habu Primary School.

“My personal goal is to see wildlife and heritage conserved and protected whilst adding value to communities. I feel extremely proud and excited to be associated with a company like Wilderness Safaris who shares the same vision” – Gordon Gilbert