Soccer Farm
An autobiographical novel by Lourens Erasmus
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| Soccer Farm by Lourens Erasmus |
I have been privileged to edit a few books this year,
but one that stands out is Soccer Farm
by Lourens Erasmus. It is one of few books I had no problem waking up for,
knowing that I would be able to continue with Erasmus on his unique childhood
adventure, while I worked on his book.
Soccer Farm is the true story of two young boys who grow up on a farm in
South Africa during the early 1980s. Erasmus, the White son of a respected
farmer, befriends Bareng Moloantoa, the Black son of one of the farm workers. It
is the height of apartheid and integration of different
races is something that is completely unacceptable
as per official policy of the government of
the day. The White Afrikaner community is very
supportive of this policy as a result of
continuous indoctrination from the government.
When Bareng introduces Erasmus to soccer, he
immediately falls in love with the game. The boys start their own soccer team
on the farm and it is not long before they have a whole ‘league’ running.
Erasmus not only faces rejection from his
school peers, as soccer is considered a ‘Black sport’, but has to deal with
numerous confrontations with teachers, his parents and the White community in
general as he interacts more and more with the Black community on a social
level. But he refuses to give up on his beloved sport and his friendship with Bareng.
The two boys have many adventures and experiences
on and off the soccer field, some good, some bad, some funny, some sad. Through
roller-coaster times they support each other and their friendship grows stronger.
This story is about friendship and how
living a dream together can overcome even the largest obstacles. It also shows
how sport, especially the beautiful game of soccer, can bring people from
different backgrounds together.
Soccer
Farm pulls on your
heartstrings more than a few times and presents a unique perspective of
intolerance through the eyes of a young boy who refuses to be tainted by
politics and the opinions of society. This book is truly inspirational, and
refreshingly positive and uplifting for a book that deals with racial issues.
Erasmus really shows us how to love one another despite our differences. His
story of hope shows how determination and perseverance, even in the toughest
situations, can overcome anything. Soccer
Farm is a book that everyone, not only South Africans, should read and
re-read.
About the author:
Lourens Erasmus was born in Thabazimbi, South
Africa, where he grew up on a farm. He matriculated in 1987.
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| Benoit Knox, Lourens Erasmus and Dr Henning Gericke at a live discussion on 27 November 2014 |
He always dreamt of becoming a detective and
after school he joined the South African Police. He was soon forced by his
superiors to resign, as he did not agree with the police’s involvement in the
political situation.
He went on to study a B.A. degree at the University
of Potchefstroom, but left soon after to follow his passion for fighting crime.
He joined the Military Police, but again it was not long before politics
interfered and he was at loggerheads with his superiors.
After he resigned from the military, he
pursued a career in the private security industry and obtained a diploma in
Security Management. He later became a private investigator and spent 15 years
in this field.
He is currently in the training and skills
development industry, and lives with his family in Pretoria.
He fell in love with soccer at a very
young age and developed a passion for the sport. Over the years, he has
been involved on a part-time basis as a player, coach and administrator, and
gained a lot of experience in this field. He currently owns a Futsal club and
is also involved with the development of young players.
Order your copy of Soccer Farm
Email sales@bkpublishing.co.za or lourensferas@gmail.com for more
information.
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