Whenever Mxolisi Sithole walks the streets of Khayelitsha, he is hailed as “the peoples coach”.
And the scruffy looking man always nods in aknowledgement of the appreciation.
“Ta Ski”, as he is affectionately known, has long been associated with sport and youth development long before it became fashionable.
In 1986 he and Malawana Mfiki opened his E-Section home to a group of youngsters and formed African Tribes FC, a team that matured into formidable side that would later produce the late Ajax Cape Town star, Cecil Lolo and many others.
Ta Ski now coaches a young Masakhane United FC who ply their trade in the lower league of Mandela Park LFA. This is a project that gives him both joy and grey hairs.
“We are running this club with great financial difficulty and lack of support,” he said when Vision Sport visited his home.
Masakhane United FC recently held a prize giving ceremony at the Catholic Welfare Development Masiphuhlisane Centre to cheer his amazing bunch of players.
“Our under-10 boys were crowned championed of the LFA, the under-12 lads won the Golden United Youth Tournament in Mitchellsplain,” he said.
Players cited for their performances were Aphelele Mdingi (most promising player), Inathi Nkobole (most promising goalkeeper), Nikelo Nongwane ( top goal scorer at under 12), Siyabonga Gedlem (top goal scorer under 10), Lelam Ncedo (top goal scorer) and Songe Mtongana who was chosen as the players player of the year.
Three players Vusumzi Mongo, Brandon Gilbert and Yanga Njengele have had trials with Site C Rebels FC, Woodstock Academy and Ajax Cape Town respectively.
The team has yet to receive formal feed back from all three clubs.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Justice Mongo, urged the young players to focus on their studies. “Study hard so that when your playing days are over you have something to do,” said Mongo. Also present at the awards were Wayne Golding and Ali Noroth, who are staunch supporters of the team.
