Ndumiso (or Mdu) grew up in Kwammaphamulo with a single mother and four siblings. His mother did her best to protect her family, always emphasizing the importance of a good education. When Mdu began playing soccer, it was the only thing that made him happy. The sport taught him discipline and kept him out of trouble.
He always wanted to be a professional soccer player, but after finishing school, he needed to get a job to support his family. For seven years, he balanced working full-time and playing soccer until he decided that soccer was more important to him. He quit his job and put all his energy into the sport he loved.
Soon after, he suffered from an injury that took him out for a year and a half. Once he was finally on the road to recovery, he got shot in the leg, ending his soccer career. He began to question God,
“Why is this happening to me?”
While at home, Mdu noticed groups of children playing soccer in the street. He saw potential in their skills, but more than that, he saw a way to get them off the streets, away from the drugs and alcohol. So he decided to become their coach, but he wanted them to view him as more than just a soccer coach; he wanted to be someone they could confide in. If they didn’t have food or if something was going on at home, he wanted them to always feel like they could come to him for help.
“I’m more than a soccer coach. I’m a social father,” Mdu said.
Shortly after creating his team, he met George Mwaura, and they began working together to support the kids. Mdu views George as a major mentor in his life, helping equip him to look after his players. Now, Mdu does weekly home visits to ensure the kids are staying safe and healthy, and everyone in the township knows him.
His team consists of boys and girls ages 8-18.
One of the young players, Zanokuhle, 13, has been playing soccer since he was five years old. He said that this program has helped him make friends, and it’s taught him to encourage others.
After starting the soccer program, Mdu realized that more than sports, academics were a major part of a child’s success in life, so he created the “homework club.” After school (2-3 times a week), kids can go to the club and get their homework done together. It provides academic support, and also another way to stay busy and out of trouble. On Sunday’s the space is used as a place for the players to come together, pray, and talk about God.
When Mdu started the team, most of his players were shy, never smiling. But soon after joining the club, Mdu noticed they would show up to practice eager to be with their teammates. Mdu has also noticed an increase in support from parents who want to become more involved in their child’s life.
“We [parents and coaches] need to work together, to love these kids,” Mdu said.
Sandile– a parent on the team– started his son, Samkelo, in the program in 2019. In an environment where fathers aren’t involved and computer games are prevalent, Sandile saw the importance of engaging his son in recreational activities. Since joining the team, Sandile has noticed major changes in Sameklo’s development. He’s more independent, responsible, and focused on his faith. Samkelo even started washing his soccer kits by himself to have them clean and ready for practice.
Sandile was always worried about the potential for a father-son void in his relationship with Samkelo. But he’s noticed that Mdu instills the idea that fathers are always trying to do what is best for their family, even if they aren’t always around.
Mdu takes pride in his players and acknowledges that he does things differently from other teams. It’s not about soccer; it’s about setting the young boys and girls up for life and helping them make it through their education. He wants his players to learn to think of others before themselves.
“[I want to teach them to] Love others, respect their parents, share everything, and pray,” Mdu said.
Soccer practice and homework club provide the young players with a busy, consistent daily routine that keeps them out of trouble. Wake up, school, homework club, soccer practice, home by 7 p.m. to get ready for the next day. That’s Mdu’s main goal.
Now, he dreams of getting enough money to build a space they don’t have to share with the community. Mdu struggles fighting with the community to reserve the “homework club” during the times he needs. With his own space, he won’t have to worry about availability issues. It will be a safe space for his players whenever they need it.
“It’s just not about us. I have a family, but I want to be with the kids. That’s what makes me happy– it’s more than soccer,” Mdu said.