Sport meets science to inspire rural youth
Lekgalaka Molepo has been working tirelessly to provide young athletes with opportunities to grow both on and off the field.
LIMPOPO – In an effort to uplift sports in rural areas, Lekgalaka Molepo, the founder of Young Poison FC, has been working tirelessly to provide young athletes with opportunities to grow both on and off the field.
Having grown up in a village near Mankweng where structured sports development was scarce, Molepo saw a need and committed himself to being part of the solution.
“We wanted to give young athletes something to think about, something to always look forward to in terms of ignition to their love for this beautiful game,” Molepo said, reflecting on his motivation for founding Young Poison FC.
Through this soccer team, Molepo has created a platform that prioritises the holistic development of young talent.
The club doesn’t just focus on winning games – it’s also about nurturing natural ability, instilling discipline, and opening doors to future opportunities.
One such initiative was the AAF-YPFC Cup Tournament, hosted in collaboration with the Alphas and Alpharines Foundation. Themed ‘Sports Meets Science’, the event successfully introduced young people and parents to career paths in sports science, encouraging broader thinking about futures in and around sport.
Molepo shared the tournament’s impact. “It brought awareness to the future of the community and also provided information to some parents who attended the event in different departments.
“They now have an idea of sports-science related careers and how they should guide their children in achieving their goals.”
The team is engaging various sectors to implement development schemes that go beyond the field, including training in agriculture and education. Upcoming initiatives such as a career exhibition aim to expose players to a wider range of possibilities.
“To local coaches in rural areas, do not give up. Keep going, you are doing a fantastic job,” Molepo said.
He expressed gratitude to all those who support his vision, including Kodi Ditsepu, Lehlogonolo Mafokoane, Alphas and Alpharines, Bashumi Instruments and Control Services, and Wits University.
