SA soccer foundation for Eswatini

MBABANE – South Africa’s Majingo Soccer Foundation is determined to give local football players in rural communities an opportunity to take their career internationally.

The foundation was established by 23-year-old passionate soccer player Thembelani Majingo from Madibogo village in the North West Province. He currently plays for South Africa’s Taung Mega Stars who campaign in South Africa’s football third-tier styled ABC Motsepe League.

The foundation, which hosts soccer tournaments in rural areas, was launched in 2020.

The founder said Thembelani Majingo Foundation was aimed at giving back to the community by unearthing talent and developing playing skills for the junior players aged below 21. By virtue of being the only player in his neighborhood to play at the level of the ABC Motsepe League, Majingo was inspired to initiate the tournament in his area.

The foundation has partnered with teams across the North West Province. It has further roped in the police force, the health sector and local radio stations and other businesses.

Invited

“We invited the likes of Mr Clifford shale from North West University as head of scout; Tebogo 5amasilo, who is head of Mafikeng Academy; former Kaizer Chiefs’ Mr Lesego Mochware; Bloemfontein Celtics reserves; Garankuwa United; and Soka Kings of Cream Sports Management SA professional agency that have players in the Premiership Soccer League (PSL), National First Division (NFD).

“One of our players was selected to a better team which played against Orlando Pirates last month and he scored by the name of Koketso Mongale. The aim is to unleash potential from rural areas to better places since our rural area is down the province where there’s lack of opportunities.

“The plan is to expand beyond our borders to the vast rural communities of Eswatini which is packed with buried

THEMBELANI MAJINGO’S BACKGROUND:

“I started my soccer career at Kabelo Primary School. While doing Grade III playing under Mr 5adebe, was selected in 2010 by Mamelodi Sundowns head of scout Mr Sam Mbatha and former Al Ahly assistant Mr Cavin Johson. I joined Platinum Stars development team in 2011 at the age of 12 and when I was 13 I was playing for all the ranks including first team (PSL). We got relegated then the team was sold to new owners Cape Umoya United SA second division then joined the team I am currently playing for, which is Taung Mega stars in ABC Motsepe League.”

Players during one of Majingo soccer tournaments played in the North West Province of South Africa.