Thonsi has played for clubs such as Dynamos FC, Black Leopards FC, and Mthatha Bush Bucks FC. He says coaching is one of the most effective ways of growing the mental capabilities of children to help them make life decisions. “When coaching is done right, the benefits to young players are plentiful. It can help them develop the life skills and attributes that will enable them to work through and overcome some of life’s toughest challenges if done right and with proper support from parents,” he said.
According to him, parents’ support is crucial to children’s development since coaches cannot afford to buy sports kits for every child if parents are not involved. In addition to his work with children, Thonsi is also the founder of Power United FC. “Currently I’m coaching 55 kids divided into four groups, the U9, U11, U13, and U15, all of which need my attention,” he said. Thonsi said he has recently seen an increase in players from his club gradually moving to join bigger teams.
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He said he would like to do more to develop kids. His mission is however hindered by a lack of free sports centres to train and host games, he said “I’m proud to tell you that this year alone my team managed to have one of its players picked up by Orlando Pirates FC, while another was selected to be among the players that are currently representing the province in Gauteng in the interprovincial tournament that started on the July 8 and is still ongoing,” he said.
“It is difficult for us as a grassroots development club to have access to a simple training facility, not to mention the facilities needed for matches,” he explained. He added that this and poor parents’ support make recruiting jobs more difficult for him and other coaches. “When playing against a team that has proper kits and while you have nothing, the morale goes down, and that is not helpful for kids that are being developed because it makes them doubt their potential,” he said. He appealed to sponsors interested in football to pitch in and support his team.
