Giyani lawyer’s soccer solution to youth crime

LIMPOPO – Dzumeri village lawyer, Silence Mthombeni, is making a significant impact in his community by helping to steer young people away from crime and towards positive activities.

While his legal practice benefits from crime, he is deeply concerned about the damage crime causes the community.

In response, he has taken steps to engage the youth in meaningful ways, such as buying soccer balls, goalposts, and nets for youngsters and organising sports events to keep them off the streets and provide them with opportunities for a better future.

When asked how he started, Mthombeni, who runs a law firm in Giyani, explained that the boys first approached him to ask if he could buy them soccer balls so they could play with other local boys. He agreed to their request.

However, that was not enough. After some time, they returned to request soccer kits, as they were planning to play soccer more seriously.

“I explained to them that while I couldn’t buy the kits, I could organise a soccer tournament where they’d have the opportunity to compete for them, giving more young people a chance to participate as well,” he said.

“As a community member who understands the devastating effects of crime in our communities, it pains me to see my table filled with cases of young people charged with criminal activities every time I return to work on a Monday,” explained Mthombeni.

“By being on the soccer field, a lot of bad things are avoided, which is why I decided to take action to help keep some of these kids away from crime,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eddie Rikhotso, coach of Black Aces, one of the teams supported by Mthombeni, stated that his assistance has been vital in Dzumeri.

“Many players now feel motivated by the opportunity to play football in proper kits on a field with well-maintained nets, a significant improvement from what they had before Mr Mthombheni’s involvement,” explained Rikhotso, saying Mthombeni’s work helps keep kids off the streets and guides them towards a better way of life.

“Remember, many PSL players started from humble beginnings, some on dusty soccer fields like ours, yet they found their way to professional football. What Mr Mthombeni is doing is creating the platform these kids need to succeed in football. “Before he came, not many of the boys were interested in football, largely because they lacked the necessary resources. Mr. Mthombeni provided the essential equipment they needed to get involved in the sport, which is why you now see so many kids in our area actively participating in sports today,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mthombheni continues to support the youth in his community by hosting sports tournaments and providing sports kits and other essential resources needed to facilitate sporting activities in the area.