Stars United keeps Mmakaunyane youth off the streets
The youth involvement in the team keeps them busy and away from crime and substance abuse.
Stars United FC founder and head coach Mpho Masebe has been working hard with his team to address issues such as substance abuse affecting the youth in Mmakaunyane, Winterveldt.
Masebe started the team six years ago and it has since taken several youngsters off the streets.
The team has managed to stop the youths from getting involved in substance abuse and crime while keeping them in shape and active with an activity so that they can have a career.
“It is important to have this team because there are lots of bad things happening. They use drugs and some commit crimes. However, the team keeps them busy and out of the street while helping them stay active always.”
He said he not only coaches them to be great players but he monitors their lifestyle to ensure that they don’t get out of line.
He added that he does this because, in the rural/township communities, numerous factors hinder the youth from focusing on what they are working on to become successful.
“I am always monitoring them, communicating with the parents always, teaching them how they must behave as human beings, not as footballers only and keeping them together at the clubhouse,” he said.
His team consists of young boys from the ages of 11 to 21, which makes it easy for him to groom them from an early age, helping them to stay away from negative things that will hinder their success in life.
The team has won 15 trophies since its formation in 2017.
The trophies include two local league titles which they won through the u.13 and u.15 teams.
“We won our other trophies in KingAmlas Kasi tournament, Mmakaunyana Community Games, and Mayoral cup just to name a few.”
Masebe said he intends on starting a ladies’ football team in the foreseeable future.
He said he already has 15 ladies who would like to join the team.
“Football is the most popular sport in the world and, yes, I believe in both male and female football. I am working on launching a ladies’ team soon. I don’t see any problem working with the ladies’ team because last year I coached the ladies’ team at Winterveldt secondary school.”
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