"Since 2009 I have had a dream of managing my own youth football club, so I approached some kids playing soccer one day and asked if they wanted to form a team," said Lindisipho Swartbooi.
"Since 2009 I have had a dream of managing my own youth football club, so I approached some kids playing soccer one day and asked if they wanted to form a team," said Lindisipho Swartbooi.
He could barely contain his excitement in conversation on the way to Ntsika Secondary School, and it was clear that he was itching to introduce his prodigies to Grocott's Mail.
Sophia Young Stars football club is currently registered under the South African Football Association (SAFA), which makes Swartbooi's plans and intentions for the club evident.
"We officially started the club in 2011, but only as something small, so that there was minimal pressure on the kids," said Swartbooi, the club's manager.
"Our lack of funding, sponsorship, facilities and equipment didn't stop the boys loving the game; …when you love the game as much as we do, nothing else matters."
Last year, however, Pennypinchers and Total sponsored a playing kit for the team, which included socks, shorts and shirts for each squad member.
"Come, I want to show you the certificate we won last year as proof," said Swaartbooi of the award which the U13 squad were awarded for being champions of their age group in the 2013 Makana Local Football Association League.
The league champions have earned themselves a spot in the Provincial tournament taking place this year.
While showing us the certificate, Swartbooi pulled out a photo album which contained a compilation of team- and action photographs.
"Although I want them to do well in sport, they need a proper education, too," said Swartbooi. "I noticed the kids from Grades 2 to 7 struggled with academic work, and now they are tutored by a Rhodes student twice a week."
Coach Siyeni Silo was also present at the school at the time, and he never left the children's side from the classroom to the field where they practise daily. Silo came prepared with a variety of drills for the session, and had the magic touch of keeping the players enthusiastic throughout.
Swartbooi worries about his players at times, and said he will never give up on them.
"You never let your family down, and this team is like family to me," he said.
Any businesses or individuals willing to assist the Sophia Young Stars soccer club can contact Lindisipho Swartbooi on 076 152 3165.
