To combat negative influences among youth in Mdantsane, Ukukhanya Kwelali Organisation has launched the Mdantsane Youth Sports Development Initiative — a community-driven programme using sports as a catalyst for transformation, empowerment and opportunity.
Founded in 2020 by Mdantsane Chiefs’ players Siyavuya Matanga and Aviwe Phethokuhle Ntuthu, the organisation responds to a shortage of sporting and mentorship opportunities in the community. Matanga, who has played rugby locally and in New Zealand, was inspired to create a platform to nurture the untapped potential of young athletes vulnerable to drugs and alcohol.
“Children would stop to watch me train and eventually ask for help,” Matanga said. “Their enthusiasm and discipline motivated me to start coaching and mentoring them, leading to this initiative. Mdantsane has a rich history of school sports, and we want to revive that spirit to promote wellbeing, teamwork, and opportunity.”
The initiative aims to provide a safe space for youth to engage in rugby, netball, and soccer through structured coaching, an annual league, and a top eight knockout tournament for primary and high schools. This approach seeks to prevent early substance abuse by keeping young people involved in positive activities and fostering unity and sportsmanship.
Plans also include working with a local boxing association to revive boxing and exploring cricket programs despite field limitations.
The organisers propose creating a Memorial Cup to honour young athletes and coaches, like Lisakhanya Carter Lwana, Unam Steg, and Ayavuya Kwaza, who dedicated themselves to the sport but passed away prematurely.
Despite growing success, the club faces funding shortages for essentials such as coaches’ salaries, field rentals, equipment, transport, and medical support. Matanga hopes to expand the initiative to include schools in Mooiplaas, Ntabozuko, Nxarhuni, Qonce, Keiskammahoek, and Dimbaza.
“Our goal is to discover and nurture the next generation of professional athletes, following in the footsteps of local legends like Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Jongi Nokwe, and Makazole Mapimpi,” Matanga said. “With early, structured training and support, we can unlock the potential of youth from these communities.”
Matanga has helped develop several young Springbok players, including Sibabalwe Mahashe and Likhona Finca, with many earning placements at Model C schools and university rugby teams. He says investing in youth sports not only promotes athletic excellence but steers children away from harmful influences.
“We call on stakeholders, sponsors, and partners for financial and logistical support to realise this vision,” Matanga said. “We are committed to collaboration and welcome discussions to secure the resources needed for success.”
