By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA- The founder and coach of TV Mlangeni Sports Academy Victor Mlangeni from Monontsha village says Qwa Qwa residents are still to realise his full vision to establish a sports academy and its potential despite achievements the academy have already achieved in the past years.
Mlangeni was speaking during the academy 10th anniversary on Saturday 18 July.
He says despite the academy having developed handful of players both girls and boys from different villages to play in top soccer popular teams they have helped keep a lot of them from falling into the trap of becoming slaves of drugs.
Some players at the academy are from child headed homes, single parent headed houses, struggling poor families homes were some are from families that parents abuses alcohol and do not attend to the children.
“As the academy we are striving to develop responsible future citizens and we are not focusing only on sports but as the academy emphasises the importance of education ,good morals, and high level of discipline, “said Mlangeni.
He explained that it is still his dream that one day he be able to keep players at the academy club house at all times so they may not be tempted by the outside world, as for now they only camp with them every fortnight.
Guest speaker president of Dikwankwetla party of South Africa and MAP council whip Moeketsi Lebesa congratulating Mlangeni and his family for their vision, sacrifice and commitment in establishing an academy which is continuing to unearth talent.
Lebesa emphasized the importance of sport as more than just a game but It instills discipline, builds ethics and integrity, keeps our youth focused – an alternative to drugs, crime, and idleness. It channels their energy into purpose.
“Sports also unites communities , when our boys play, Monontsha, QwaQwa and the whole of Maluti-a-Phofung stand together.
Sport becomes the language that brings us together. These young men started right here. They will end up being the towering giants of our times.
They are walking proof that with opportunity and guidance, our children can compete with anyone in the country, “said Lebesa.
He pledged his support for more investment in grassroots sport and called on government, business, and community to partner with the academy to ensure the next 10 years produce even more champions both on and off the field.
