NWU-Mafikeng Soccer Institute, which was formed in 2007, is celebrating ten years of existence this year. The main aim of the Soccer Institute is to develop well-rounded individuals who can be future soccer players, coaches and administrators, simultaneously pursuing an academic programme of their choice. Soccer as a career has proven to be short so it is also imperative for players to have something to fall back on. Students selected are given full scholarships.
The Soccer Institute which was officially opened on 11 April 2007 by Chairman of the English Premier Soccer League Sir Dave Richards enjoyed endorsement, support and partnerships with SAFA, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the English Premier League and FIFA.
In the ten years of existence the Institute has been crowned University Sports South Africa Champions in 2009 and 2010. They were also runners-up, in 2012. The Institute has notably produced professional footballers, who ply their trade both in the National First Division (NFD) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Those professional footballers are Xolani Qunta (Blackburn Rovers (NFD)), Phaladi Mofokeng (FCAK) NFD, Andile Khumalo (Amazulu FC), Boalefa Pule, Luvuyolwethu Mpeta and Thabo Mnyamane (all SuperSport United), Thabo Rakhale (Orlando Pirates), Shane April and Banele Ndlovu (both Bloemfontein Celtics) and Xolani Mlambo (Chippa United)
Other former Soccer Institute players have also featured for both South African National Under-23 and Senior National Squads (Bafana Bafana). For under-23 we had the likes of Sipho Nyafoza , Boalefa Pule and Luvuyolwethu Mpeta whilst for the Senior National team Luvuyolwethu Mpeta and Thabo Mnyamane received call ups.
The Soccer Institute team has been coached by former Kaizer Chiefs midfield genius Malombo Lichaba, former Bafana Bafana player and Banyana Banyana coach Augustine Makalakalane as well as former Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana coach, the late Ted Dimitru.
The Soccer Institute has also produced soccer administrators, the likes of the present TUT manager Machesa Kgomo and NWU Soccer Institute manager Vuyolwethu Sambo. Vuyo went on to complete a master`s degree in Public Administration. There are also some former players who have made their mark in the corporate industry, such as Dalton Appolis, who is employed by the Reserve Bank.
Other luminaries from the Institute are Sammy Leshilo, currently pursuing his PhD in Law and Amon Kyle who was offered a two-year soccer scholarship at the University of New Hampshire in the United States of America, studying a master’s degree in Community Development, Policy and Practice.
By Phenyo Mokgothu
