Turning Settler’s Park into a sporting success
Apassion for sport and empowering youth, prompted Kurt McKenzie to close his lucrative business and establish a sports academy for the city’s youth.
The Pillars Sports Academy, providing free sports coaching, has not only made the dream of pursuing a sports career possible for six local youth, but also revived the Settler’s Park in Montrose through the restorative efforts of McKenzie and his wife, Odile, at their own cost.
McKenzie is a South Africa Football Association (Safa) accredited coach and is in the process of attaining his UEFA coaching badge. He oversees the football coaching while other coaches are brought in for other codes. The academy is affiliated to the Safa and their league games are played over weekends.
The soccer academy has produced outstanding results. Before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the team was invited to participate in the Dubai Super Cup, which they won, and were then invited to compete in Wales, but unfortunately, due to lack of funding, could not participate.
Nevertheless, six players, three girls and three boys, secured sports scholarships and are currently studying and playing in the United States.
"We have created a bridge with America and have opened doors for our players. Without the academy, they would not have had the opportunity to play and study overseas," said McKenzie.
"Our main focus is on development and giving the youth an opportunity. Once doors open for them, the world is their oyster," he added.
Tevan Jones, a Pillars alumnus now studying in America, described being part of Pillars as 'being part of something bigger than a soccer club'.
Keeara van der Merwe, who is also on a USA scholarship, said the Pillars Academy helps develop young footballers into the best version of themselves, soccer wise and as individuals.
"The club is a family that supports each other. They teach their players about giving back to the community, to be leaders and to use their talents. I am proud to be part of such an amazing club and would recommend any aspiring footballer to join the club where champions are made," she said.
Another Pillars product, Lerato Mosia, said that, thanks to Pillars, her dream of studying in America has become a reality.
Explaining why he chose to risk it all and start the facility in Pietermaritzburg, McKenzie said that the city needs positivity.
"I want to do something for my home town. We can turn this place around in terms of developing the skills of the youth. I want to incorporate life skills more than just talent. I want to revolutionise sport," he said.
The couple used their investments from their previous business to finance their now thriving academy in 2015. McKenzie's wife, Odile, who is also very involved in the academy, said they took a leap of faith to start, and continue to step out in faith everyday.
"We made the decision to make the second half of our lives count. We step out in faith everyday," she said.
The academy uses Settler's Park as its base for coaching and training. However, the finalisation of a lease to utilise the grounds has been a major obstacle. McKenzie has been maintaining the grounds and keeping it in good condition at his own cost. They have recently planted poles on the perimeter of the park to prevent people from driving their vehicles onto the grounds. There are also no change rooms, toilets and water available at the park.
McKenzie is hoping that the lease will be finalised soon and they are willing to forge a partnership with the municipality. The items on his wish list include the building of a clubhouse with electricity and water, the installation of floodlights and transport for the players to and from Settler's Park.
If members of the community would like to help in any way to maintain the grounds and establish proper facilities to help these youngsters achieve their dreams, contact McKenzie on
083 232 3761.