Sports can significantly affect a person's physical and mental well-being. It has been shown that using athletics to support individuals, especially young people, can prevent them from being caught up in a cycle of anti-social behaviour, violence, crime, and drug use.
Born and bred in a small township called Christiana Utlwanang in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and later moved to the City of Matlosana, is football fanatic Kagisho Mothupi, who is a founder of soccer teams that comprise three boy teams under 9,13 & 15; SAB team of seniors; girls regional league & SASOL Senior League.
Mothupi's cause for the founding of these teams stems from the environment in which he grew up – there were fewer opportunities, and many young people were turning to drug use to pass the time.
In founding these teams in 2010, his main goal was to see these registered clubs play formal football to virtue in different levels of SAFA. 2011 was the year in which one of the teams played a legal match in Matlosana FAL and so on.
Not only is Mothupi an owner of football teams, but he is also a soldier with Basic Military Training. He uses the money he earns from the military to fund the teams.
Mothupi says that with the formation of these teams, he managed to get many young people off the streets and steered them into the right path.
Mothupi wishes to see progress in where his girls' teams play for Hollywood National League by 2025. "It's promising, with the calibre we have, we are heading there. I'd also like to urge young girls to join because we need more women in football. Remember, this year is dedicated to women in sport, so this is their year, let them shine," said Mothupi.
