WESSELTON – The founder of Mpumalanga United FC, Mr Fanyana Hlophe (39), is driven by the desire to keep young local players off the streets by engaging them in soccer.

According to Mr Hlophe, Mpumalanga United FC was established in 2012 after a young player, Kwanele Mkwaanazi, who was seven years old at the time, asked him to be their coach.

Since then the number of players seeking sanctuary in football, has increased.

He said he contributes money from his own pocket when it comes to their uniforms and the travel expenses to help the players achieve their goal of being one of the best soccer clubs in Mpumalanga.

“I no longer consider myself as their coach, but rather as a father, because they share so much with me.”
He added that some of the players are dealing with the harsh realities of coming from underprivileged backgrounds and child-headed homes as well as being raised by parents who are heavy drinkers.”

Mr Hlophe’s childhood also contributed to the need for him to nurture his players and ensure that their dreams are realised.

He has previously missed out on an opportunity to participate in Sundown’s trials, owing to a lack of a birth certificate.

“When I was two months old, my mother left because of a rivalry between my parents. She only returned when I was 25 years old, and by that time, the desire and opportunity to play in the trials had already passed me by. That is why I work so hard to keep the team alive, so the boys can dream while they are still young.”

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