Giving back through football in Thembisa

I am Harrison Mahanyele, and I have lived in Thembisa for 20 years, since I finished matric.

Some of my fondest memories here are football tournaments, like the Phyllis Games.

Every time the tournament comes around, it brings together so many community members.

ALSO READ: Thembisa Matric Awards celebrate top schools and outstanding educators

The love of football, the joy, and the energy are incredible.

These tournaments have helped develop countless players in the township, and I believe they will continue to produce quality talent.

Social development and infrastructure in Thembisa have grown significantly since I moved here. There are so many places where you can relax and free yourself, Granite, Boummareng, Slothjile, and many more.

Living in Thembisa also shaped my football journey.

I never imagined I would play at a semi-professional level, but my time here pushed me to grow and to give back.

That’s how Everton FC Development started. I became a football coach to guide children, helping them move from the streets and become the best versions of themselves.

The biggest challenge we face as youth football coaches is recognition.

We pour our hearts into developing players, some of whom we later see on TV, but we often end up covering equipment and training costs out of our own pockets.

Then, when a player reaches the professional level, someone else may take credit for their success. Where were they during the tough times when we were mentoring these young players?

ALSO READ: Masego Mashilo: Discovering Thembisa’s spirit of unity through storytelling and sport

Many coaches can relate: it’s never easy to develop talent, and yet recognition for our work is scarce.

One area for improvement is giving back to the community through different sports, not just football.

There are so many inspiring coaches in Thembisa who have motivated me, including Coach Elliejer of Hlalefang FC, Coach Parks of Ambassadors FC, Coach Budah of Winnie United, Coach Msheka of The Hawks, and Coach Jahman of Zamalek FC. Their dedication encouraged me to keep going as a coach.

I am passionate about football development, and I remain committed to nurturing players with quality upbringing and strong values.

But safety is a concern. Crime around our homes and communities is high, and many people have lost hope because law enforcement sometimes takes these issues lightly. We just want the police to act as the law, to ensure everyone is safe every day.

ALSO READ: Thembisa-born mentor shaping football and community futures

Advice from former Mamelodi Sundowns players Alton Andrew Meiring and Raymond Seneo still resonates with me: “Nothing worth having comes easy, so stop feeling guilty about failure. Move on, chin up. If it’s not your day, your day will come.”

That advice reminds me to keep pushing forward, even when challenges feel overwhelming.

When I walk through the streets of Thembisa, hear someone call my name, or am at a sports field or shopping mall, I feel safe. This is my kasi, my home. Thembisa has given me so much, and I am proud to give back.