#YourStory – City Killers coach has big dreams for youngsters

Twenty-year-old Msawenkosi Bhengu is a young man with great hopes for the community he lives in, in Jumpas informal settlement.

Born in KwaZulu- Natal, Msawenkosi said soccer has always been his first love.

“My big brothers used to play soccer and I always told myself I would play like them one day. When I was able to kick the ball I started playing and it also helped me to stay away from trouble,” said Msawenkosi.

Msawenkosi moved to Jumpas informal settlement in 2015 and when he arrived, he had nothing to do and decided to start doing what he loves to pass the time, namely soccer.

“I saw boys running around playing soccer and I asked them what the team’s name is and they told me. I met the coach and saw that he needed help because sometimes he would not be available due to other responsibilities. I then offered to help with the coaching and he agreed,” said Msawenkosi.

Msawenkosi, AKA Nkosi to those close to him, is the coach of City Killers, a soccer team that has been making a name for itself in Jumpas and surrounding areas.

“The boys play well and are very passionate about soccer. But our team is more than just about soccer. We are a family here,” he said.

“I teach the boys to be responsible because most of them don’t have role models or people to guide them. I use the team to teach and advise them where I can,” said Msawenkosi.

He said it’s not easy to coach young boys because some are naughty and it takes time for them to listen to him.

“When a new member joins the team there will always be difficulty in terms of adjusting to the rules because we all come from different households with different rules. So I tell them how the team works and what is expected from them as a team member,” said Msawenkosi.

He said City Killers has strict rules on how to behave and respect others.

“Most of the parents come and thank me for the job I do and the advice I give the boys because of the change they see in their children. I always tell them duties before soccer, so your house chores and homework must be done before soccer because education is important,” he said.

He said he has seen progress in the boys since he started training them.

“When I started training them there was a lack of discipline, some bullied those who were not able to play soccer but loved the game. But with hard work and dedication we have built a strong team that has become family.

“I now see them helping each other to improve on the soccer skills and that for me as a coach means a lot – it makes me happy,” said Msawenkosi.

He has big dreams for the team and hopes that talent can bring some of them fortune.

“We have really talented players in the team and they love playing. I hope to see the team competing in proper soccer challenges as currently we are unable to compete in such tournaments. If some of the boys can be scouted I will also be proud and happy for them.”

He said his own dreams and hopes include a qualification in teaching because he would love to be a teacher some day.

“I love teaching and giving guidance. Working with people and knowing you are making a little difference makes me happy,” said Msawenkosi.