Football legends join Belgravia community in support of Farouk Abrahams - IOL

Farouk Abrahams stands with members of the Walking Football 4 Health team during the community family fun day held in his support at the Futbol Kings Fives Court in Belgravia.

South Africa Legends team and the Walking Football Cape Town Legends took to the court in Belgravia on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for a family fun day in support of Farouk Abrahams and to encourage older people to stay involved in football.

Families, children, and residents from surrounding areas gathered at Futbol Kings Fives Court in Hadji Ebrahim Crescent, Belgravia, Cape Town. The event was held to help with Abraham's ongoing treatment and medical care for stage 4 cancer.

The football games lasted 10 minutes, with players required to walk rather than sprint. The format supported the day’s focus on active ageing while giving participants an opportunity to compete and enjoy the game together.

Farouk Abrahams (right) and businessman and philanthropist Dr. Iqbal Survé (second from right) look on alongside football legends during the community family fun day held in Abrahams' support at the Futbol Kings Fives Court in Belgravia.

There was evident determination in the action. Players positioned themselves to receive the ball, challenged for possession, and looked for openings. Walking changed the pace, but they remained engaged in the contest.

The short games gave older footballers a setting in which to continue playing. They could contribute through their positioning, passing, and awareness of teammates while keeping to the walking rule.

For the Legends team and the Walking Football Cape Town Legends, the exhibition was an opportunity to remain involved in the game and use that involvement to support someone in need. Their presence brought the legends to a community gathering, where residents could see them participating on a local court.

Active ageing was evident in the participation of the older footballers. They took responsibility for their positions, followed the action and worked with teammates. Away from play, smiles and relaxed moments among participants showed the social side of being together.

The Belgravia event put that approach into practice through its 10-minute games. Older players had a place on the court, while the family setting allowed people of different ages to be part of the same occasion.

Children living with cancer were also among those attending. Alongside the support for Abrahams, their presence made the day’s emphasis on care and inclusion particularly relevant.

The gathering gave families facing difficult circumstances an opportunity to share in a community event centred on football. Concern for those dealing with illness was present alongside the enjoyment of watching and playing the game.

The event’s slogan, “One goal, one fight”, referred to the effort to support Abrahams. Players, families and supporters responded by taking part in a day organised around his treatment and care needs.

Businessman and philanthropist Dr Iqbal Survé also participated, with Survé Philanthropies supporting the event. His involvement formed part of the broader contribution from the football teams, event partners, and community members.

Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Iqbal Survé controls the ball during a walking football match at the Futbol Kings Fives Court in Belgravia.

The focus remained on bringing people together for Abrahams while making room for continued participation in sport.

Football gave the gathering a shared activity. The legends brought their experience and willingness to play, while residents and families helped make it a community occasion.

The day also showed why local sporting spaces matter. The same court could host an exhibition involving football legends, provide an opportunity for older people to remain active, and accommodate a gathering in support of a community icon facing cancer.

Members of the legends team gather for a group photo during the community family fun day held in support of Farouk Abrahams at the Futbol Kings Fives Court in Belgravia.

For those taking part, love for the game was evident in their attention to the action and their willingness to get onto the court. That interest brought them together in Belgravia and helped turn the family fun day into a collective effort for Abrahams.