My name is Nqobile Blessing Mtshali. I was born in Thembisa, and I live in Tsenelong. I am the coach of Ambition Football Club, and for me, 1632 is home.

My favourite memory has to be playing soccer with my teammates at the local pitch.

We used to win a lot of tournaments, and those moments really shaped my love for the game.

Kasi is full of hidden gems.

One of my favourite spots is Kasi Style Soul Food, which offers traditional, freshly prepared meals. You can get vetkoek, kota, mogodu, and braai meat. What I love most is the vibe; customers quickly become regulars, and regulars become friends.

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The sense of community in Thembisa is amazing; everyone looks out for each other. A life-changing moment for me was getting selected for the local soccer team and having the chance to play with bigger teams.

Of course, our community faces challenges, and high unemployment is one of the biggest. I truly believe that creating more job opportunities would help our youth thrive.

I’m inspired by my mum. She always told me that if you need something, you must fight for it, but always in the right way. She’s a true fighter, and her words guide me every day.

If I were to describe Thembisa in three words: vibrant, resilient, and home.

As a coach and a parent to my players, I focus on effort, not outcome.

I praise hard work, improvement, and trying new things, rather than only winning or technical perfection.

At Ambition FC, I coach junior divisions from under-11 to under-17. Most kids stop and listen when I give brief instructions, but a few can be tricky; they distract others or don’t focus. I try not to be a disciplinarian; I just want them to improve and enjoy the game.

I believe in God and trust that He guides us, especially us Kasi coaches.

Trust is both attitude and action. Every small step we take opens the path for the next one, and eventually, we see the way He has made for us.

The positive change I hope to bring is more sports and arts programmes for our youth, giving them opportunities to grow and express themselves.

The best advice I’ve ever received comes from my mum: “Never give up.” Those words have stayed with me, on and off the pitch.