INDWE- CAF Champions League-winning coach Pitso ‘Jingles’ Mosimane inspired coaches and aspiring footballers in Indwe on Friday as he led a grassroots football development programme hosted by the Gcinabantu Hutchison Ngcukayitobi Foundation.
Held under the Foundation’s slogan, “Striving for a peaceful and just society,” the initiative formed part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to use sport as a vehicle for youth development, education and social change.
The event marked the second phase of a partnership between the Foundation and its strategic partners to strengthen coaching capacity in rural and urban communities.
Foundation chairperson Brenda Ngcukayitobi said the programme was one component of a three-day youth development initiative, which includes a 24-team football tournament and finals staged across four venues in Indwe, Nomzamo Township and Lupapasi.
She said the initiative extended beyond football skills by incorporating education, discipline and personal development.
“We used sport to build mental resilience, promote academic commitment and discourage substance abuse,” Ngcukayitobi said.
Mosimane told participants it was a privilege to share his knowledge with local coaches, who would in turn pass those lessons on to young players.
“It is a distinct privilege to transfer knowledge directly to the coaches because this empowers them to effectively impart those lessons to the children in their care,” he said.
“Initiatives and tournaments of this nature are extremely valuable for grassroots development because they provide structured learning, mentorship and exposure that our communities would not otherwise have.”
About 40 coaches from rural communities attended the three-hour coaching workshop before the tournament. The session covered professional training methods, tactical and technical coaching, leadership, player development and practical match scenarios.
Among those in attendance was football administrator Xolelwa Mtshawa (30), originally from Indwe who described the opportunity to learn from Mosimane as significant.
Having served three seasons with Cape Town Ulsters, participated in three ABC Motsepe League playoff campaigns and held administrative positions with Northern Cape Vendors and clubs in KwaZulu-Natal, Mtshawa said programmes such as this created meaningful opportunities for young people.
“Initiatives like this bring the biggest names in football to our small towns,” she said.
“To the youth of Indwe, grab the opportunity, have faith and go achieve your dreams.”
Tshibhiku Football Club coach Monde Yezana said football continued to play an important role in keeping young people engaged in positive activities.
“What is impactful about football is that it keeps Indwe’s children off the streets and on the field through soccer, discipline and hope,” he said.
The Foundation said it hopes the programme will continue to equip coaches, inspire young players and create lasting opportunities for rural communities through sport.
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