Meet Peter Sithole, founder and coach of New Celtic based in Mabopane. The football and netball club was started in 2016. Sithole spoke to Gauteng News recently.
It encourages youth development through football and cheer-leading in order to keep them away from drugs and crime. The coach said what motivated him to start the club which has 33 children was to keep away the youth from drugs and crime.
“I love football and I want to always empower kids so they can be better and powerful individuals, I want sports to be a project of life. I tried my level best to make sure youths occupy their free time by playing soccer rather than to be engaged in crime and drugs,” said Sithole.
Max Mangwane, the team’s sponsor said the community of Mapobane struggled with crime and drugs abuse. Mangwane said such an initiative came at the right time.
“We have a burning issue of crime here so I was very happy to see youth taken from streets. Even though the ground is not proper, young people now use their free time in sport is better than seeing them engaged in things that might destroy their bright futures”, said Mangwane.
Rebeca Rakgogo,a parent, said seeing her child involved in sport meant she was occupied.
“This environment is dangerous to our youth because of crime and drugs. Teenage pregnancies are a huge issue, I wish the government could also assist with building sports facilities because youth are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Rakgogo.
New Celtic football captain, Nyiko Ndlovhu (14) said that playing football keeps them away from the streets.
“Football keeps us busy. I have seen a lot of boys my age involved in drugs and crime which destroyed their future. That’s why our coach cautioned us against using drugs and being involved in crime,” said Ndlovhu.
New Celtic netball captain, Tintswalo Baloyi (15) said: “We benefit a lot because we are now flexible. Football has boosted our self-esteem, problem solving and leadership skills. We have also learned how to resist social pressures which result in bad behaviour,” said Baloyi.
