Sithembile ‘United’ in team motivation

The Sithembile United soccer team is fortunate to have had the opportunity to host a motivational event for their players prior to the kick-off of the season. The motive behind hosting this event was to encourage the team to change their attitude on and off the field as this will contribute to the success of the team. Players were awarded certificates, medals and trophies for those who showed potential in the last season.

This first-of-a-kind function was made possible by Thabiso Smith, event organiser for his own company ‘Igxathu elisha Trading Enterprise,’ and he is hoping to continue the trend. Sithembile United has long made it to the Castle Lager League and it has produced, among others, a few professional soccer players with the likes of Siphesihle Zwane and the now Sandile “Khiya” Dlamini, who recently signed with Maritzburg United.
Sandile was present and contributed R500 to the winner of the ‘top goal scorer’ which was later awarded to Siyabonga Mavundla.

Coach, Ayanda Smith, and assistant coach, Zwelithini ‘Tso’ Zulu, with the assistance of Thabiso, whom was ‘touched’ by the attitude local soccer players displayed at a funeral of a Sithembile United player, Watson ‘Kitso’ Zitha, decided to organise this function to light up their spirit and encourage youth in sport to shine.
Thabiso conveyed that playing soccer can take one places, as soccer is an art on its own, only “if one respects and understands what they are doing.”

Adding to the qualities of a soccer player, he mentioned that, to become a professional soccer player is not easy. Those given the platform to speak on the day, including coach Ayanda Smith, emphasised the importance of ‘discipline,’ saying ‘without it you will not go anyway in this career.’ Mr Mlamuli, former soccer player said it begins with the management that is united and moves to the players who are disciplined, for the team to win the league.

Former coach, Thulani Mange, censured some of the team members on their undignified dress code on the day. He said ‘such indicates lack of commitment and less appreciation and this attitude will not help them win the league.” He further criticised players on their attitude off the field, and emphasised that continuous training is vital if the team wants to win the league. To both team management and players he said, “soccer is a game where team members are instructed.

If a player does not want to be instructed that team is as good as nothing.” Players awarded certificates and medals were those who played 20 games and more with Siyanda ‘MaCojisto’ Ndlovu won the ‘Player of the season’ trophy. The player’s player award went to Siyanda Mbatha. Assistant coach, Tso, was also honoured with a certificate and trophy.