Calcutta woman gets licence to coach and gives young footballers hope
A local woman, Priscilla Mthombeni (44), did not miss the chance to uplift herself – and by extension, her community – earning a licence to coach soccer, making her mark in a male-dominated industry.
Mthombeni was among the 30 coaches who graduated on Sunday, May 4, after an eight-day course at KaBokweni Stadium. With just over a year of coaching experience under her belt, Mthombeni has showed nothing but courage to uplift the football skills of youngsters in her community.
Although she has never played football herself, her love for the sport led her to start her career by joining the coaching team of Calcutta Youth Desk FC, made up of young players from disadvantaged backgrounds. She is currently the coach of the local Ben William FC U17 boys team that participate in the annual Forek U17 Developmental League.
ALSO READ: Nsikazi soccer enthusiasts take first steps in coaching career
She said she is inspired by her stepfather, Amos Maphanga, who is a former coach.
'I love watching soccer and I have managed to use sports to create crime awareness campaigns in the community through annual sports tournaments that engage the youth and steer them away from crime,' she said.
Mthombeni is a police officer based at the Calcutta Police Station and specialises in social crime prevention. Her efforts have yielded impressive results for her team, with football academies scouting some of her talented players.
Mthombeni's passion is to continue inspiring players in her community, despite the many challenges they face. 'Many of my players lack essential equipment, including soccer boots, and I am often forced to dig into my own pocket to help, but I can't help every player. Funding for transportation and food for the team when we have to travel are some of the challenges. I am committed to finding ways to uplift these youngsters.'
ALSO READ: TS Matsulu determined to go top of Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League log
She said her team will be participating in the Sports is your Future tournament in Ximungwe in June and hope to win some soccer kits. Ben William FC will be among 32 teams that will go head to head in the tournament. Mthombeni said she wants to demonstrate the impact that a person can have in their community by providing opportunities and support.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
17 hours ago
- The Citizen
Dundee's boxing hero brings home the belt
Lindelani Sibisi again showed his ring craft when he claimed the South African featherweight title by knocking out the defending champion in the 10th round in East London last weekend. Lindelani is a product of the Sibongile Boxing Gym, Dundee, which has a proud history of producing eight SA champions. The club trains in a basement in the community hall and is often subject to flooding – yet this has not stopped the pugilists from giving their all. See video here: HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
WATCH: Richards Bay's Marsha Muller smashes 300km in 48 hours
The Zululand community watched in awe as Richards Bay endurance athlete Marsha Muller took on her biggest feat yet – and smashed it. Among more than 100 of the world's elite ultra runners, Muller set off at noon on Friday to break her own South African and African record of 272.6km in the ladies' 48hr running world champs. Her goal was to run 300km in 48 hours – which she achieved this (Sunday) morning. After a gruelling weekend of running around a 1.7km track in Poland, Muller surpassed her record at 6am on Sunday, completing 300km just before 11am. Asked by her husband Shawn if she was going to do more, she said she'd walk it. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer 0 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Vilaca racing time attack set for Zwartkops Raceway
After a successful kick-off of the Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship in March, round two heads to Zwartkops Raceway on May 31 in pursuit of the perfect lap of this dynamic 2.4km circuit. Jono Vilaca, founder of Vilaca Racing said the Time Attack Championship series has created a community of motorsport fans and car enthusiasts of all ages who come out to enjoy a fun and exciting experience with cars. 'After an awesome first round in March, our sixth season of Vilaca Racing is set to be the best, and we are looking forward to another exciting gathering at Zwartkops in May and growing the community,' he said. With a further four rounds scheduled later in the year, the series is the perfect opportunity to witness incredible cars and talented drivers competing for the podium in different categories. Taking place across some of the country's most iconic race circuits, the other events lined up in the series are: • Round three – July 5 at Formula-K Raceway in Benoni. • Round four – forms the highlight entertainment during the South African Festival of Motoring from August 29 to 31 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. • Round five – October 18 at Zwartkops Raceway in Centurion. • Round six – November 15 at Formula-K Raceway in Benoni. 'Vilaca Racing is an event for everyone – from seasoned car enthusiasts to families with young children, we all come together to experience racing in a safe, enjoyable environment. We have been so encouraged this season by the increase in interest and participation in our events,' added Vilaca For more information and to register your vehicle, visit Also Read: Rynsoord petrolhead makes waves in motorsport Also Read: Awards celebrate SA motorsport At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
