Makara develops youngsters in sport

Coaching in a surrounding of men as an only woman coach under the Midrand Local Football Club (MLFA), Makarina “Makara” Mokoena continues to share her passion and skills to the future stars in sports. Driven by a passion for giving back to the community, Mokoena is running several projects that groom youngsters in sports, school support programmes and charity fund-raising.

An Ivory Park-based Mokoena, who is a former founder and central defend player of Super Falcons FC has recently celebrated her 39th birthday with the children of Tumelo Home. She was joined by her team players, Makarina Superstars Development.

Five years ago Mokoena vowed that against all odds she will ensure that every year she celebrates her birthday with the children at Tumelo Home.

Every year she hosts Makarina Birthday Charity Tournament that is aimed to raise funds and buy needed items for the home.

Mokoena, a secretary and co-ordinator at MLFA, has been a soccer player from the age of 12 when she was still residing in her home village in Lesotho.

This 39-year-old parentless was raised in an orphanage home after both her parents died when she was 11.

She came to Tembisa in 2009 to further her studies and also searched for her mother’s relative. Last year, Mokoena was awarded a coaching certificate by the Midrand Local Football Association under the South African Football Association (SAFA).

Since its inception in 2013, Makarina Superstars Development has shaped several promising soccer stars currently playing under SAFA squads.

In her development team for boys and girls, she targets players from age six to 18 years residing in Kanana, Rabie Ridge, Ivory Park and nearby areas.

Her major challenge as a township coach is struggling to find sponsors to help maintain the development.

“I am struggling to buy both kits in netball and soccer for the players. I pray and wish one day a Good Samaritan or any person can avail to help sponsor us.

“The other challenge is lack of sports grounds. I was helped by Makang Mathobela who offered us a space to use for practices,” she said.

Both her netball and soccer teams attend training on Monday to Friday at 4.30 pm till 5.30 pm.

During school holidays, Mokoena hosts a sports tournament to attract young people and prevent them from roaming around the streets, malls and shopping centres.

This September her school holiday tournament will kick off on September 30 and finish on October 8.

For any information regarding the tournament, contact Makarina Mokoena on 078 832 7302.