Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Tiyani Mabunda has paid tribute to prominent youth football coach Hendrick Mukwevho, who has played a key role in developing players such as Cassius Mailula and Olwethu Makhanya.
Mukwevho founded Limpopo Sports School of Excellence [LSSE], a top youth football development academy based in Polokwane. The academy focuses on players from Under-13 up to U-21 levels.
It is the same academy where Mabunda honed his craft before turning professional. The academy boasts an impressive line-up of graduates who have passed through his hands, including Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula, Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya, and Magesi FC’s Khonadzeo Muvhango alongside Mabunda.
Mabunda says it’s high time that people like Mukwevho are celebrated, as they have made an immense impact in the development of football in South Africa.
WHY RENOWNED FOOTBALL ACADEMY COACH HENDRICK MUKWEVHO NEEDS TO BE CELEBRATED
“Coach Hendrick [Mukwevho] is a person that I actually played for when I was growing up from the age of 13,” said Mabunda.
“He’s still busy with this kind of thing even today. So it tells you that he is not just a football lover, but he’s a father. Today, seeing that one of his products can continue the legacy that he has started is amazing. I also played in activities like this when he was the one running it.”
Mabunda was speaking during his High School Football league run by his Foundation in Polokwane a fortnight ago.
“Today he’s a participant in an activity that I am doing. It shows he has a deep love for kids. My son is also playing under his team. So it’s generation after generation,” added Mabunda.
“A person like Hendrick Mukwevho is someone that we need to treasure and celebrate while there is still time. People like him are rare to find, and he can set aside his own life just to make sure that there are so many opportunities given to young boys.”
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