Homeless Russians clinch 'World Cup' in S Africa

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 2 (Reuters) Russia have beaten Kazakhstan to clinch the Homeless World Cup -- a street soccer tournament that pits former drug addicts against vagrants and alcoholics in a bid to fight poverty through sport.

Russia beat Kazakhstan 1-0 in the final in Cape Town on Saturday, ending a week-long tournament that drew 500 players from 48 countries and is run by a charity that helps homeless people turn their lives around.

''One of my strongest dreams has been realised,'' the organisers' website quoted the Russian captain Vyacheslav Shelayevsky as saying.

''Football helped save me.'' He said the Russian team hoped to start a street soccer league for other homeless people when they returned home.

The Homeless World Cup -- in its fourth year -- is meant to give participants direction and an incentive to sober up for those addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Surveys conducted after the last event, held in Scotland, showed 80 per cent of those who took part had taken major steps to change their lives for the better.

REUTERS PM HT0854