Ekurhuleni teacher and coach inspires youth through athletics
Ekurhuleni coach and teacher Kgabo Maupye is nurturing young talent through Central Gauteng Athletics, turning his lifelong passion for running into a mission to develop South Africa’s future stars.
Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) continues to grow its footprint in developing young athletes and coaches. One example of this success is Kgabo Maupye.
Once an exciting athlete to watch on the track, Maupye has transitioned into a passionate and driven coach, shaping the next generation of champions.
A teacher by profession, Maupye’s involvement in sports began while attending Birch Acres Primary School, where his athletic journey took off in Grade Three.
Years later, in 2015, he returned to the same school to begin his coaching career, a full-circle moment that speaks to his dedication to nurturing young talent.
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After completing a Diploma in Coaching Science at ETA College in 2016, Maupye continued to balance his dual passions for education and sport.
“I was a primary school learner when I started running, with little interest in it,” he recalls.
“In high school, I met a coach who completely changed my mindset and inspired me to take athletics seriously,” said Maupye.
Specialising in long-distance running, Maupye competed primarily for his school rather than clubs, reaching provincial-level competitions on numerous occasions.
His experiences as an athlete now form his approach as a coach, blending empathy, structure, and discipline to bring out the best in his trainees.
While pursuing his Bachelor of Education at UNISA, which he completed in 2019, Maupye continued to coach at Birch Acres Primary School.
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Today, he teaches at Laerskool Kempton Park, where he also trains emerging athletes. Beyond the classroom, he serves as head coach for Tembisa Athletics Clubs, further expanding his influence in the athletics community.
Spotted recently at the CGA Sub Youth Track & Field League 3 at Germiston Stadium, Maupye was in his element, guiding and motivating his young athletes across various events, including long jump and track races.
Under his leadership, his team has achieved remarkable success, earning provincial victories and qualifying for both the ASA Track & Field Championships and the National Cross-Country Championships with eight and 14 athletes, respectively.
“I am dedicated to and passionate about athletics. It is our duty as coaches to nurture the next generation of homegrown talent that will continue to shape South Africa’s athletics future,” said Maupye.
Tembisa Athletics also prides itself on developing outstanding athletes such as Benkosi Maqwara, a young runner who will compete at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships next January in the U18 boys 8km event.
