Mavu trains local coaches

HIGHVELD – About eight local youths attended three-day coaching training at the University of Pretoria that was hosted by Mavu Sports Development.

They received training in various sporting codes and were sent by African Community Dialogue.

Mavu, a sports development organisation that focuses on providing access to sport in disadvantaged areas, launched its facility utilization volunteer programme during the training.

The sports development project is endorsed by the National Lottery Commission and focuses on capacity building, training community volunteers to enable them to

be coaches and training of youths in the communities they work in.

It was founded in 2011 by Mr Kenneth Neluvhalani and the non-profit organisation startup was inspired by the life story of Justice Makhale who became the first black

athlete to participate in a mountain biking world cup.

“The organisation was established to level the playing field and to give the disadvantaged access to sports participation and competitions.

“We also want to maximise the use of sports facilities that are not used in the country.

“We aim at providing opportunities to both individuals and communities to participate in sport.

“Mavu also provides support systems to emerging elite athletes who do not have the resources to reach excellence levels,” said Mavu’s CEO, Mr Kenneth Neluvhalani.

To date, Mavu has trained 50 youths who work in their communities as coaches and has established junior soccer leagues in 10 communities.

Mr Vusi Makhwanazi, who attended the training, said the training was beneficiary and he and his team will ensure the skills they acquired will benefit the locals.

Mr Patric Tlhakudi, African Community Dialogue’s spokesman, said his organisation hopes those who have been trained are going to revive sport in their areas.

“By participating in sport, the youth will be safe from various activities, such as crime and drug abuse.

“We commend Mavu for developing our young stars.”