VANDERBIJLPARK.- A pioneering sports workshop held at the North-West University (NWU) Vaal Campus has been hailed as a major success by organisers looking to transform local sports administration.

The Clubs Excellence Workshop, held at the Tsebonokeng Hall on May 24, was organised by the university’s Sports and Recreation department.

Joseph Matlhong, the NWU Vaal Manager for football, karate, chess, esports, recreation sport, and inter-residence athletics, clarified that the initiative was led by the university as part of a broader community engagement programme.

The Sedibeng Sports Confederation initially claimed to be organising the event, but Matlhong confirmed to Sedibeng Ster Sport that NWU was the actual host.
Hosted under the theme “Leading, Coaching and Transforming Clubs/Teams,” the event was the first of its kind for the region.

It was designed to strengthen ties between the university and the surrounding areas while equipping sports teams with practical leadership and management skills. Matlhong emphasised that the workshop aimed to address real operational challenges, noting that many local clubs struggle with governance, safeguarding, administration, discipline, and leadership.

Despite overlapping with busy academic and sporting schedules, the event successfully drew 189 attendees from across the Vaal, Sedibeng, Lesedi, and Midvaal areas. The diverse crowd included NWU Vaal sports students, sports council members, coaches, and team managers.

A wide variety of sporting disciplines were represented, including football clubs and academies, netball, volleyball, athletics clubs, boxing structures, and chess stakeholders. Community sport leaders, Sedibeng sport federations, and representatives from the Gauteng Province Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation department also attended.

The programme featured experienced presenters and professionals who addressed key issues affecting modern sport and club environments. A session on governance and compliance was delivered by Xolani Mathumba and Mthunzi Nonjola, who focused on club governance, accountability, identity, and professional administration.

Matlhong himself also presented a session on Team Management and Match Administration. He shared practical experiences on match-day operations, fixture planning, team logistics, reporting, professional communication, leadership within clubs and teams.

“This workshop was created to help provide practical solutions and empower stakeholders to build a strong and more professional sports structure,” Matlhong said.

Following the successful event, appreciation was extended to the Sedibeng Sports Confederation and local federations for mobilising stakeholders and providing presenters to help make the programme a success.