Lonwabo Ndabeni: The living-abled soccer star winning hearts in Tsakani

Tsakani – Twenty-five-year-old Lonwabo Ndabeni is a passionate soccer player who lives as an able-bodied young man who finds joy on the football field.

His parents and coach describe him as a happy person who commits himself to everything he does on and off the field. His differences do not make him look any different from others. His inability to efficiently hear and communicate is overlooked on the field with other children.

“He started playing soccer as a goalkeeper at school. He has always loved soccer, and that is all we watch on TV when he is home.

“Seeing his coach give him a spot on his team has made us very happy. We are always happy to see him excited to participate and feel included.

“He is a happy child who enjoys himself around other children. His inability to communicate has made him very independent,” said Ndabeni’s mother, Nomaza Kwankwa.

Coach Pele Mavuso said Ndabeni has played for his team, FC Manu, for the past four years and is forever impressed by his dedication to the game. He said the experience he had gained over 30 years of coaching soccer had enabled him to work effectively with all kinds of players.

“I have had a disabled player in my team before. Having Ndabeni join our team, living abled, was not a problem for me.

“He is a passionate individual who never takes criticism badly. He always tries to learn something from it. As a team, we have generated impactful ways of communicating with him to gain a common understanding,” explained Mavuso.

Mavuso described Ndabeni as a bubbly child who enjoys dancing and making everyone happy. His ability to read the room has helped him through most games.

“He cannot hear when the whistle is blown during the game, so we help him understand what’s happening. He might continue running with the ball after the whistle, but he does not take offence. He looks around to observe and figure out what is going on,” added Mavuso.

“Having him on our team is a blessing. Even during Covid-19, he came for practice and got frustrated at times when we could not do anything. More than anything, the support he receives at home is amazing and motivational.

“Ndabeni is always clean, well taken care of and is always allowed to travel with us to play anywhere outside of Kwatsaduza. Mavuso urged other passionate coaches to let living-abled players join their teams, urging them to support them in every possible way.

“Some may not be able to play soccer, but there are other roles they can perform incredibly well. Living-abled players can form part of any soccer team, not just as players, but as caretakers, assistants and referees, among others.

“To coach individuals with living-abled players, one needs to be patient, loving and have a clear knowledge of working with kids. Work closely with the parents, social workers and teach team members about the importance of respect and mutual understanding,” he explained.

Kwankwa thanked the coach for always making them feel comfortable when Ndabeni is not home, saying she knows he is in safe hands. She said she is always delighted to see how other kids also treat her son.

“His coach is consistent, loving and very supportive. We are thankful for his ongoing support and the care he abundantly gives to my son. The coach comes almost every day to check up on our son.

“God knew what he was doing when he blessed me with Ndabeni. I have seen and felt God’s love through my child. I thank the community of Geluksdal Ext 4 for also playing a vital role in helping us raise him in a safe and loving place,” added Kwankwa.

She said community members understand Ndabeni’s condition and always treat him well. Kwankwa appealed to the community of Kwatsaduza and surrounding areas for assistance with soccer clothing and shoes, as the family cannot always afford to provide their son with what he needs.

ALSO READ: Over 15 young scouts welcomed as Motheo launches first Scout group

ALSO READ: Is your will legally valid? Five essentials you can’t afford to miss