Making a difference through sport is the one thing Nhlanhla Mabaso is passionate about.

There is a good reason for the Tuks footballer’s passion. In Mabaso’s own words, soccer saved his life. Through his experience, he hopes to change the lives of many youngsters in years to come.

But it is a case of first things first. This week he will be in action for Tuks at the USSA Tournament. Mabaso makes no secret that he and his teammates are out to prove a point. Especially since they missed out on playing in the Varsity Tournament. It was a first for TuksFootball.

“We want to make amends for what has happened,” said Mabaso.

His love for football started when he grew up in Rustenburg. Unfortunately, Mabaso fell under the influence of the wrong crowd.

“I was part of a group of friends who rebelled against the norms of society in not a nice way. One of the consequences of this was that I started to skip school. There was a real chance of my life spiralling totally out of control. It probably would have if it was not for football.

He fell in love with the game the first time his foot touched the ball. Playing football gave him a purpose. But it also led to him facing a dilemma. Does he keep on being a rebel, or do he try to excel as a football player? He could not do both. Choosing football meant that he would have to go to school. It was a case of no school, no play.

“I chose football. It was the best decision I ever made. Football took me away from all the wrong things. I really took stock of my life. I realised the friends I thought were good for me were not. I started to get serious about my schoolwork and watched what I ate. I did all this because I wanted to play football, a sport I am good at,” he explained.

According to Mabaso he owes so much to his dad and brother, who have always supported and guided him when needed.

“Their respective stories serve as inspiration. They started from scratch and went on to make something of their lives,” he remarked.

Mabaso is a third-year BAEd student. When his playing career ends, he dreams of starting a sports school in Rustenburg.

“I want kids to have the same opportunities I had. They also need to realise that sport does change lives, but then again, they should know that no sports career lasts forever. Therefore, it is crucial to be serious about studies, whether at school or university. The important thing is to get kids to dream again. Set themselves goals. Doing things they love and not being on the streets committing crimes,” he concluded.

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