Africans honour their origins in Kiwi family day

Robert Nahimana, 15 months, brushes up his soccer skills. Picture / Greg Bowker

It will be a few years before 15-month-old Robert Nahimana takes to the soccer field to fight for the honour of his homeland, Burundi, but he's off to an early start.

Yesterday he was getting in some practice along the sidelines at Riversdale Park, Avondale, as eight teams from African nations fought it out for the hotly contested African Community in Auckland Cup.

There is a nod to New Zealand in the form of sausages on the barbecue, but otherwise the African Community in Auckland's end-of-year family day is all about the traditions of their various motherlands.

As well as Africa's national sport - soccer - those traditions include the table of dishes such as Somali rice, made with spices, sultanas and meat, and injera, an Ethiopian sour flatbread with a pancake-like texture, used to scoop up a spicy chilli sauce.

By early evening, the entertainment of African drums and music will have started. There is also a special plea for storytellers and dancers, to help the children learn the traditions.

Alphaeus Onyeke Onyeke, the group's president, says such events help people remember they are African. They can talk in their own tongue - be it Somali or French, which is spoken in countries such as Burundi and Rwanda. More importantly, it makes sure the children know that though they live in the land of the oval ball, soccer is the sport they should play.

Watching the on-field action, Emmanuel Rubaduka, from Burundi, said the gatherings helped to keep the culture alive for a small African community who are spread throughout the city.

"Because we came here to New Zealand while the children were still very young, most of their friends are from their local schools. So having this sort of thing brings them all together again. They get to know other Africans and growing up, they know we are not alone - that there are other Africans."