By Zandile Nyathikazi
When you hear the news about Inanda – stories would be about gang violence, murder and other violent crimes. Recently, social media was full of details of the killing of the leader of a violent gang of young people called West. This is an area with young people who have very few opportunities and close to no positive role models, but one young man is trying to change that.
In 2013, Thabo Magwaza faced a difficult challenge after completing high school. For years of searching for a job with no success, leading to years of frustration, Magwaza eventually established a football team called Mathambo Sporting Galaxy in 2018. “Inanda is popularly known as a place where there is high level of crime and I believe that soccer can take boys off the streets, shift their focus and keep them away from using drugs and alcohol.”
He says financial hardships are his biggest challenge as the team needs a kit, transport to get to matches and tournaments as well as other needs. He finds that even in situations where the children he trains would see the need to be part of the team, it’s the elders in the family that would sometimes not get on board. “Families struggle to understand the importance of soccer, leading to inconsistent attendance at training sessions.”
Those that have been part of this journey say it’s helped them avoid a lot of social ills that exist in Inanda. “I am a university graduate but I have not found work. I am also passionate about soccer as being in the field helps me to distress. Being a soccer player requires discipline which means avoiding alcohol and drugs,” says Luyanda Zulu who is one of the footballers in the team.
The youngest of the boys are 14 years old and the oldest are men who are 25 years old. They sstart their training and 5pm daily because of school and other chores and this allows them only one hour before they have to rush home before the dangers that come with the dark of night.
Some that train with Magwaza have big football dreams. “I love soccer and I believe in my coach. One day I want to be a professional footballer and I know with coach by my side, I will. He is not only a coach but also a mentor as he always encourages us to do better in life,” says Samkelo Mthethwa.
While there are a few who would assist from time to time, Magwaza feels that regular funding would help him and the boys achieve very big things.
