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From the streets to the pitch: Coach Bobo's inspiring Homeless World Cup journey
Conversations with Coach Bobo Image: Ya'eesh Collins In the vibrant and often-unforgiving landscape of South Africa, some stories resonate not for their success, but for their raw authenticity. This is the story of Coach Bongani 'Bobo' Mathiso, a coach and mentor with the Oasis organisation, who has taken the lessons of his past and used them to lift others. In 2012, Bobo captained the South African Homeless World Cup team in Mexico City. The following year, in 2013, he became the assistant coach, a position he held until being promoted to head coach just last year. Now, 13 years later, he and his team are preparing for this year's 2025 Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway, which kicks off from the 23rd to the 30th of August. Having sat down with Coach Bobo last week, Bongani and I spoke about his life, his work, and his unshakeable belief that everyone deserves a second chance. His story serves as the basis for his ideology that true leadership isn't about being an untouchable 'global jetsetter' but more about walking the same path as those you guide. From Hardship to a Life of Purpose Coach Bobo's story reminds us that a difficult background can be the source of one's strength. He spoke to IOL about his youth growing up in the "dusty streets of Modena, Eastern Cape, I played football barefoot." He openly admits that he and his peers were 'bound to make mistakes' and sometimes 'caught up in doing the wrong things, along with many social ills. This honest reflection provides a critical insight into the systemic issues that many face within South African communities. He doesn't shy away from the darker moments, recalling a "fast-paced life with no sleep for days at a time while partying and drinking." He also shares the tragic reality of his environment, where he survived many incidents in which he lost his closest friends. Bobo's life story is a history that is not a burden but has become the foundation of his empathetic heart and guiding soul. His upbringing in the Eastern Cape has enabled Coach Bobo to connect with the young people he coaches on a personal level, understanding their struggles through his own lived experiences. It is this shared understanding that led to a core belief in his work, which is a fundamental part of his work: "listen, not to fix, but just to be heard," he expressed. "My name means 'give thanks, '" Bobo tells IOL. This reminder of his gratitude for his life's journey has led him to a life of service, a journey that is as much about survival as it is about learning. He also expressed his pride in his roots, saying, "Modena, Eastern Cape, that's my roots, my pride, where I feel I've grown up, I've learned a lot in life in general." He was also the captain in the movie The Beautiful Game. Coach Bobo is proof that against all odds, it is possible to stand firm. He adds a poignant reminder of the mission at this year's tournament "our wish is to honour and maybe to win the Homeless World Cup, but of course, our primary objective is to win the lives of our players." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Coaching with Humility and Trust Coach Bobo's coaching philosophy departs from traditional, top-down hierarchical models of leadership, as he has fostered a holistic approach. Coach Bobo believes that genuine leadership is built on the essential non-negotiables of trust and shared experiences, making a conscious effort to live the same life as his players. "I sleep with them in the same room, I eat what they eat, there's nothing special just because I'm the coach," he explains. "We share and do everything together," Coach Bobo expresses. His hands-on, empathetic approach is central to his mission of building a cohesive and trusting team environment. Bobo explains that for a team to work effectively, trust must be the foundation. He illustrates the on-pitch mentality he desires for his team. He instills the understanding that 'if I need to pass the ball to you but don't trust you, I will go elsewhere, jeopardising the rest of the team. This metaphor for teamwork teaches his players that success is a collective responsibility, built on faith in one another. Coach Bobo's rare humility exemplifies a two-way street of learning. His holistic approach is self-described as an immersive form of alternative "reverse sports psychology" where he learns from his players as much as they learn from him. A philosophy of "teach me, teacher". Coach Bobo strengthens this bond by being transparent about his imperfections, "I can be wrong sometimes. I can be wrong. And I must agree with it. And to take responsibility for that," he tells IOL. This vulnerability makes him a relatable and trustworthy mentor, vulnerability shown through his years of undeniable dedication and resilience. The 'Three-Legged Stool' Approach Under the OASIS organisation and Coach 'Bobo's guidance, OASIS is more than a footballing club. For Coach Bobo, OASIS and football go "hand-in-hand and provide a lifeline". Coach Bobo says that the OASIS program utilises football to impart life skills, assisting children in avoiding the social problems he experienced as a youth, which dismantles conventional support, as these aren't as they appear. Coach Bobo references a parent who contacted him because their child "doesn't listen to me anymore". For Bongani, his belief in the "three-legged stool of a coach, a parent, and a teacher" is essential for a child's development, with Oasis filling a crucial, foundational gap, providing the resources for Coach Bobo's vision to come to life. The Homeless World Cup, Norway 2025 As for this year's journey to Norway, the Homeless World Cup is the pinnacle of the OASIS programme, which seeks to provide players with opportunities for profound change. Bongani recounts various challenges faced in past years in preparation for the tournament, including financial constraints that forced them to take "six players instead of eight to South Korea last year". Despite the setbacks, the team's performance was a source of great pride: "We've represented the country with dignity and pride we fought for our flag". The Homeless World Cup is a unique and powerful tournament specifically designed for personal growth rather than just winning. This highlights that teams stay for the entire duration of the tournament, regardless of their performance, unlike the Rugby World Cup or FIFA World Cup, which send losing teams home and at the end of the day, "you always have something to play for, you get to stay till the end to see everything, that's powerful, and that's why the HWC is so unique," Coach Bobo explains. Coach Bobo believes this powerful metaphor for life encourages players to "push and make sure they represent their country next year," he tells IOL. Overall, the HWC programme is designed to create a sustainable future for its participants, whereby "cleaner pastures" take place, as Coach Bobo puts it regarding life outside the HWC. The Deeper Purpose: Beyond the Pitch This year's tournament, same as each year's, is to provide the players with a platform to be seen, to be heard, and to be valued. Central to Bobo's philosophy, and a fundamental part of his work, is to "listen, not to fix, but just to be heard." The Homeless World Cup's rules also reflect life lessons as Coach Bobo explains the concept of a "blue card," whereby a player is sidelined for two minutes. These two minutes serve as a metaphor for life itself. "Crossing the line in life and on the pitch can, and in many cases does have consequences for the whole team," he explains. Reinforcing the idea that their actions not only affect themselves but also their community and team members as a whole. More than A Film: Real players and management teams at the heart of The Homeless World Cup, the tournament is the inspiration for the feature film, The Beautiful Game. Image: Rebecca Corbett Cultural Identity to a Lasting Legacy Coach Bobo, a fierce advocate who believes in his team's ability to shape cultural identity through their unique South African style of play, is what separates them from various competing nations. He encourages the players to be themselves and not to hide their unique flair. He famously tells them, "Don't hide the Tsamaya. Don't hide the Shibobo. No. Be yourself". This is more than just coaching instruction; it's a message of empowerment and pride in our nation's heritage. Coach Bobo acknowledges that this is not an easy or quick process. "It's not an overnight mission. It will take time. It takes purpose. It takes a lot." Yet, he finds immense value in every minor victory, stating that if they can help even one person, "it's so valuable." Through his journey from a challenging past to a life of service, Bongani 'Bobo' Mathiso has become more than a coach. He is a mentor, a father figure, and through empathy and personal connection, long-lasting change can be made. His legacy lies not only in the games won but also in the lives he has helped build, one player at a time. IOL News
IOL News
20-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Nina Manzi brings warmth and dignity to Cape Town's rough sleepers
The Wash Bus - Nina Manzi's Mobile Sanitation Facility - provides welcome relief for many at the Dignity Days. Image: Ya'eesh Collins / IOL Amidst the biting chill of the Mother City's icy winter, Nina Manzi – an organisation that provides vital services to the housing insecure – extended a hand of of warmth and solidarity to the community in Salt River, Cape Town; transforming a day of hardship into one for heartfelt gestures and collective responsibility. Familiar faces and newcomers gathered at the Youth Solutions Foundation building, where individuals from all walks of life were eager to experience a day of much-needed pampering and support. As Cape Town's soaring property prices have forced many community members onto the streets, it has left them with little to no access to sustainable sanitation. In response to this pressing need, Nina Manzi's mobile sanitation facilities are a beacon of hope. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Attendees were treated to a nourishing breakfast, a warm shower, professional haircuts, essential health checks, and engaging conversations on empowering skills development. The day was more than just about providing services; it was a powerful demonstration of community spirit. Highlighting the critical importance of addressing one's basic needs and the restorative power of dignity for individuals facing housing insecurity in Cape Town, especially during the harsh winter months. Attendees receiving health checks at the Nina Manzi Dignity Day. Image: Ya'eesh Collins / IOL Nina Manzi's Dignity Day offers the housing insecure an opportunity to make use of a number of their services, and participants are gifted a Dignity Pack once they have made use of at least three of the services on offer – a warm shower, a haircut, a health check, a nutritious meal, or participation in a skills development conversation. The Dignity Packs consist of: shampoo, body wash, sanitary pads (packs for women), wash cloths, an underarm deodorant, space blanket, and toothbrushes and toothpaste. Essential needs for an individual's journey towards sustainable wellness. Nina Manzi Dignity Day in Salt River. Image: Ya'eesh Collins / IOL The act of 'earning' these packs through participaion in the day's offerings instills a sense of accomplishment, shifting the narrative from a handout-purposed drive to a deserved reward for engaging in self-improvement. Now in its third year, Nina Manzi highlights the critical importance of recognising the everyday individual and their lived realities of experiencing life without a traditional house. Nina Manzi's initiative, through its Dignity Days, emphasises practical and collective support, and this truly embodies the spirit of upliftment and hope. Attendees expressed their ongoing drive for a life off the streets. IOL
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Autistic communities coming together online
April Marks Autism Awareness Month Autism is not a puzzle to be solved — it's a world to be understood. This Autism Awareness Month, listen, learn, and celebrate every voice. Image: Ya'eesh Collins April marks World Autism Awareness Month, a time often filled with pastel puzzle pieces, corporate platitudes, and well-meaning infographics. But beyond the official campaigns and hashtags lies something far more powerful. Online platforms such as TikTok have become spaces where autistic people are building their voices together. These spaces function as support groups, stages, soapboxes, and sanctuaries. They offer something traditional awareness campaigns often lack: authenticity. Stacy Hart, known online as KingLady_CPT, never set out to become a voice for autistic adults. A content creator and social media strategist by profession, she started her TikTok page to entertain, experiment, and connect. What she didn't expect was that the platform would also become her lifeline, helping her process a late autism diagnosis and find a community that changed her life. Hart's career was already built on social media strategies and content creation when she began using TikTok as a personal and professional testing ground. Her first post after her autism diagnosis was raw: a candid car rant about rejecting the disabled label. A video she later deleted. "That video isn't something I'm proud of, but it shows how shocked I was. Overnight, I was being told I was disabled," she reflects. Since her diagnosis at 29, she has worked through internalised ableism, coming to embrace her identity and finding gratitude for a community that chose education over cancellation. TikTok, she says, is uniquely suited for autistic creators. "It lets you share your special interests without needing the energy for traditional socialising," she explains. Still, she is clear-eyed about the platform's dark side, where bigotry and bad-faith interactions exist. Below, Hart addresses the debate around seeking a professional autism diagnosis. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ While formal diagnoses can open access to services and support, she points out that the process can also be costly and emotionally draining. For many, self-identification is a valid path, particularly given the systemic barriers to formal diagnosis. Accepting her diagnosis has led her to better understand her limits, both socially and emotionally. 'Autism isn't a motivation issue. It's a capacity issue,' she explains. 'And if there's going to be a change, we have to fight for it.' Her philosophy today is simple: block and protect your peace. "Authenticity doesn't mean tolerating abuse." For Hart, autistic people don't need a cure. They need understanding, better diagnostic tools, and real post-diagnosis support. She knows her voice is just one piece of the puzzle — but it's a piece she's proud to contribute to. "Autism isn't all that I am, but it shapes everything I do. Speaking up is exhausting. But if we want a better world, we have to keep fighting," she says. TikTok: A New Kind of Advocacy On TikTok, autism awareness takes a different form. It is fluid, visual, and often unexpectedly joyful. Scrolling through the #ActuallyAutistic tag reveals creators using trending audios and short-form skits to depict the highs and lows of life on the spectrum. This is autism in motion: vibrant, funny, sad, celebratory, and deeply relatable. TikTok, often dismissed as superficial, has quietly evolved into a space for identity-making, advocacy, and community. Under hashtags like #ActuallyAutistic and #Neurodivergent, creators are offering layered expressions of their inner worlds and reshaping how the public understands autism. The same algorithm, often criticised for its lack of transparency, can, at times, amplify marginalised voices and bring overlooked narratives into mainstream visibility. This visibility, however, comes with risk. As creators gain popularity, they are often met with public scrutiny, medical skepticism, or harassment. The boundary between advocacy and exploitation is not always clear. Still, many continue to share their stories, not because they are expected to, but as acts of self-advocacy, self-definition, and cultural authorship. Autistic individuals are not waiting to be represented. They are producing their representation. They are not asking for a seat at the table. They are building entire ecosystems of knowledge, empathy, and resistance. True awareness is not simply about recognizing symptoms. It is about truly listening to stories. And right now, more than ever, those stories are being told. One post, one video, and one hashtag at a time. Autistic creators are reshaping the conversation through online discourse, community building, mutual support, and knowledge creation. Raising Awareness for Autism As the Month of April comes to an end, lets keep the awareness going. Image: AIT
