Matsulu female sports coach nurtures raw talent
Nelisiwe Magagula encouraged girls to take part in male-dominated sports such as soccer, rugby and cricket.
A sports and exercise science teacher of St Mark’s International School in Mbombela, Nelisiwe Magagula, is successfully penetrating into what used to be a male-dominated industry.
As more sporting codes are made available to younger girls, she hopes to encourage more of them to participate in soccer, rugby, cricket and more.
“I am the head sports administrator and coach for the U15, U17 and U19 netball girls’ teams. I am also the assistant coach for the U15 boys and girls soccer teams. It has been an amazing journey to see the learners, especially the girls, excel in sports just like in their academics.”
Magagula said she started teaching sports at the school this year, which is something new to her since she became a teacher.
She said it was not a challenge for her, because she loves sports, and it is a great opportunity for her to pass on her experience to young talents. “I encourage the learners to take sports seriously, especially those who are not academically gifted. Sometimes it happens that they are able to improve their academics with the lessons they learn from sport. I also motivate them to consider careers in sport.”
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This mother of six from Matsulu said she grew up playing netball, soccer and high jump, and was an avid runner. “I have always been interested in sports since I was a girl. I preferred not doing the house chores with my mother, but playing soccer with my brothers. I have collected a number of certificates related to sports, such as administration, psychology and physician.”
She could not pursue a full-time career as a soccer or netball player, because she thought such opportunities were not made available to girls in rural areas. She said she hopes to see all sports codes being introduced to girls, especially in schools situated in underdeveloped areas.
“The best way to do this is for public schools to adapt sports as a subject, which will also boost the overall health of learners. We need to see more girls from underprivileged communities forming rugby and cricket teams.”
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As a sports enthusiast, Magagula said she tried to establish a community gym in Matsulu, but did not received support.
However, she plans to establish her own sports team for young people with the aim to improve sports participation and nurture raw talent at a prime age in her community.
