Meet Thembisa coach using football to uplift local youth

My name is Thabang Maile. I’m a passionate development coach, a father, and a football lover.

I’m proudly born and bred in Thembisa, Tsenelong section.

The most memorable day for me is actually quite recent, winning the U17 Philly’s Games 2025/26. I’ve had many special moments in my coaching career, but this has to be the best of them all.

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The journey itself, from the first game to the last, was incredible. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that day; it meant so much to the boys I coach and to me.

The thing that makes Thembisa truly special and lovable is the sheer amount of talent in so many industries, from sports to arts and entertainment. Our township is full of potential waiting to be nurtured.

My go-to spot has to be Happy Hour in Tsenelong. It’s not a popular place yet, still small and upcoming, but the food and vibe are definitely worth it; you can never go wrong there.

I wouldn’t call it a single moment, but the decision that changed my life was choosing to invest my time and energy into football and the development of young players.

It has been overwhelming at times, emotionally and mentally draining, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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The game has kept me safe, introduced me to amazing people, and given me purpose. That’s why football will always be special to me.

One of the biggest challenges our community faces is substance abuse.

The number of young people doing drugs is alarming, and it contributes to rising crime rates.

I strongly believe we can address this if kids are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, arts, or educational programs, and if parents are more involved.

Local businesses also have a role to play. Sponsorships or donations to small organisations that fight this issue can make a huge difference. If we unite and work together, we can make the community great again.

If I had to describe Thembisa in one word, it would be: fun.

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A hidden talent of mine is singing. Only those who spend a lot of time around me know how much I love it—I sing throughout the day, often without thinking about it!

If I could bring one positive change to Thembisa, I would build a multi-purpose sports centre, big enough to accommodate the entire community, where young talent can be nurtured and given a chance to grow.

Growing up here, you receive advice from every corner of the township. I can’t pinpoint one specific moment, but as the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I feel blessed to have grown up surrounded by a loving and warm family, and that has shaped me into the person I am today.

Home, to me, means feeling safe and free with the people around you, a place where you won’t be judged or discouraged, but supported and loved.

That’s exactly what I’ve experienced in my family and in Thembisa.

Our community isn’t perfect, but we are united when it matters, and that’s what makes Thembisa worthy of being called home.