Robindale’s Buntu Matshaya is on a mission to promote wellness in schools

Buntu Matshaya, a resident of Robindale and a sports coach at schools across Johannesburg, is making waves in the field of sports education and physical wellness. With a background in sports sciences and sports management, Matshaya’s journey into coaching comes from a deep-rooted love for sports and physical well-being.

“I am originally from the Eastern Cape. I got into coaching through my love for sports and physical wellness and well-being. It’s something that has grown over the years into corporate wellness, scholar wellness and personal training for individuals who want to maintain an active and wellness-driven lifestyle,” Matshaya explained.

He reflected on how his love for sport has opened opportunities for him in coaching. “As someone who sees clients and has coached in schools across areas in Johannesburg such as Illovo, Rosebank, Fourways and neighbouring areas like Midrand, my business and expertise have given me the opportunities to be able to operate and function within numerous schools and environments.”

Specialising in rugby, basketball, soccer, and athletics, Matshaya explained the importance of team sports in fostering connections and developing interpersonal skills among children. “I enjoy these sports and feel they have the ability to help children discover their sporting interests and abilities and above that they are team sports so they also help people connect and develop their inter and intra personal skills.”

Reflecting on his experiences, Matshaya shared, “There are so many good moments; I find it hard just pinpointing one. But I enjoy working with kids who have had some challenges both inside and outside the classroom, and seeing how sports and being active have helped them open up and develop their interactive experiences with others as well as myself as a coach.”

Although Matshaya mostly experiences good moments, coaching is not without its challenges. “Some challenges I’ve faced before are usually children’s parents who are very passionate about seeing their children playing sports, that if they aren’t in a team for a specific match, it may be a bit upsetting for them and this also affects the kids because they may feel they are left out.”

When dealing with these kinds of issues, Matshaya always tries to talk things out. “Communication is always clear and understood that all the children get chances to participate in the matches on a rotation basis for inclusion and so everyone gets a chance to experience matches. There are very few challenges that are hard to overcome.”

In offering advice to aspiring young athletes Matshaya said, “Remember to always try to have fun when participating in sports, no matter how serious you would like to get with your sporting career, having an element of fun always helps you stay grounded even though some days may be challenging.”

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