Against all odds, such as being shot at and being involved in a car accident, Muzi Zulu is indeed a superhero who does not wear a cape.

Zulu, confined to a wheelchair, is a football coach for Liverpool United, which consists of a large group of young boys and girls in Msogwaba. “My passion for teaching children football is in my heart and not in my legs. As long as I can see and talk, the children can learn how to play,” Zulu said eagerly.

ALSO READ: Matsulu man survives house fire

He said his aim is to keep the children off the streets, to keep them active and to teach them a skill that will last for a long time. “I started coaching in 2000 when I could walk and run. My heart broke seeing children running in the streets and being naughty. I knew then that I had to do something for them,” he said. “I coached a lot of children back then and we participated in a lot of competitions.”

In 2009, the unfortunate happened. “I was shot at when my team and I were coming from a spectacular game. I survived and continued to coach. Like I said, the passion is in the heart. In 2010, I was involved in a car accident coming from Matsulu from a football competition for girls. I have been in this seat since,” Zulu said.

He proudly said he finds few things challenging, because the children make his life easier. “There are four boys in the team that help me to move around. I appreciate them so much. Moreover, I want to see every footballer in my team reach for the stars through the sport. These children are very talented.”

ALSO READ: Team Mpumalanga determined to make province proud at National Winter Games

Zulu’s teams consist of boys from seven to 17 and girls from 13 to 17.

He said he is working on getting them all football kits. “These children deserve owning branded kits. If they look good, they will perform even better.”