Support for community sport
The relationship between Sakhulutsha Soccer Development Project and Rhodes University’s Human Kinetics (HKE) developed towards the end of 2015. Siya Masinda, the coach in charge, met with our department to discuss our expertise in sports conditioning.
Interestingly, the HKE department had recently developed a soccer research group, focusing on talent identification and development of local soccer players in Grahamstown. It was the perfect opportunity to develop a mutually beneficial relationship as HKE was keen to become more active in the local soccer community. Since it began, the programme has gone from strength to strength. HKE serve as strength and conditioning consultants, assisting with practices three times a week for the senior squad.
Furthermore, we are involved in fundraising and other administrative aspects of the academy. The relationship has been formalised as a community engagement initiative, endorsed by the HKE department and Rhodes Community Engagement.
The main purpose of the initiative is empowerment. We are sharing our knowledge and skills, to better the local community. However, this project is mutually beneficial as student participants get fantastic exposure to the realities of the South African context, as well as providing a platform for coaching and professionalisation. Furthermore, as scientists, we believe that the research we conduct must acknowledge our context, and solve problems in the local community. As a result, the initiative aims to marry teaching and learning, research, and community engagement. We are dedicated to improving the lives of South Africans, starting right here in the Eastern Cape.
This initiative has many positive elements. It allows for integration opportunities between Rhodes and the greater Grahamstown community. Enables knowledge sharing as both communities interact and share learned experiences. It al- lows for the exposure of young athletes to effective training techniques, access to specialised equipment, provides inspiration and a pathway of success, and most importantly, education. Furthermore, it provides exposure of Rhodes students to the reality of their con- text, instilling fundamentals of social responsibility. All HKE community engagement initiatives aim to create partnerships with inspiring local organisations, with the ultimate aim being the self-sustainability of each project. Additionally, we as a department believe it is vital that our students engage with the potential of our great country, and contribute to its development. Our motto is “Equity of Opportunity”. Every South African should have the opportunity to follow their dreams, and we are working hard to make that a reality.