Motsamai Tsimo Motsepe of Sharpeville Benfica Sports Development Club has praised the transformative two-day initiative organised by FARPost and Lucky Star, which brought together coaches and aspiring footballers in Sharpeville.
Motsepe is renowned for discovering the talent of newly signed Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi and nurturing him until Betway Premiership club AmaZulu FC signed him.
Orchestrated by FARPost and powered by a visionary collaboration with Lucky Star, the initiative unfolded as more than just a sporting occasion. It became a story of upliftment, empowerment, and hope for the entire community.
The journey began on June 13th, with FARPost and Lucky Star ambassadors entering local schools, transforming classrooms into lively forums of discussion.
Far from ordinary lectures, these sessions sparked honest, impactful dialogues on pressing social challenges like Gender-Based Violence [GBV] and drug abuse. Students became active participants, absorbing tools of resilience and self-awareness designed to help them navigate a world rife with obstacles.
The atmosphere buzzed with possibility, marking the beginning of a generational shift toward safer, wiser, and more empowered youth.
Momentum soared on June 14th as Sharpville’s coaches gathered for a masterclass in football excellence.
Former SAFA technical director Walter Steenbok was joined by renowned goalkeeper coach Thomas Nare, retired international referee Victor Hlongwane, and former Orlando Pirates captain Edward Motale, all sharing their wealth of experience and passion for the beautiful game.
Together, they trained local coaches to cultivate talent with renewed vision. The event’s prestige was heightened by the presence of the LFA and Sedibeng Football Association.
With coaches newly inspired and equipped, the focus turned to Sharpville’s youngest football hopefuls. The children’s soccer clinic became a festival of joy with hundreds of bright-eyed kids dashing onto the field, hearts pounding with anticipation.
WHAT MOTSAMAI SAID ABOUT THE FARPOST & LUCKY STAR INITIATIVE
“It was a very brilliant idea by FARPost and Lucky Star to join hands and work together for the benefit of all of us,” Motsepe said. “It was not just coaches who benefited but school children, schools themselves and the community at large. I find this initiative very unique and different from many others. This is primarily because it encompasses not only football but also education and child safety.
“We didn’t only learn modern-day football coaching trends, but we also tackled social ills such as drug abuse and GBV. It was really an eye-opener, since we were also taught some of the subjects we didn’t cover while attending major coaching courses, including coaching topics such as handling media interviews, marketing and branding of clubs, scouting, and player profiling.”
Lucky Star’s thoughtful touch was felt in every detail, from the nourishing meals served before play to the extra food parcels sent home. This fuelled not just bodies, but dreams. Guided by the expert hands of their coaches, the children navigated playful drills and spirited games, strengthening core skills and forging memories destined to last a lifetime.
This trailblazing partnership between FARPost and Lucky Star stands as a testament to the power of holistic community engagement. By weaving together sports, education, and social advocacy, Motsepe feels the project has done more than elevate Sharpville’s footballing prowess.
It has planted seeds of awareness, wellness, and unity. The waves of positive change set in motion are sure to ripple outwards, nourishing the fabric of the community for generations to come.
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