Changing society through sport

Passionate footballer Thabang Maselva dreams of making a difference and positively changing disadvantaged communities through sport.

As founder and managing director of Thabang Assured Victory, he also aims to prioritise sport in youth groups.

Thabang’s (28) passion for soccer started when he was six. At the age of 15, he participated in the trials for the Orlando Pirates professional football team and he also represented Gauteng.

Thabang and other coaches recently organised the CAF D Soccer License Coaching Course, which took place earlier this year and was hosted by the South African Football Association (SAFA) West Rand.

In addition, he was recently appointed Sports Secretary at multiple primary schools in Westonaria. Thabang stated that he volunteered at Seatile Primary School where he implemented a women’s football team. He also explained that he refined football coaching and implemented extra mural activities such as singing and dancing within the schools.

In 2021, Thabang organised a career exhibition where he claimed to have invited various stakeholders that showcase career opportunities. He explained that the main purpose of the event was to introduce multiple career paths for the youth.

Furthermore, Thabang emphasised that he hosted the Mayoral Games Tournament in 2022. He picked 22 participants to compete against Wits University Football Club for scouting purposes.

According to Thabang, the tournament accommodated 15 teams from Bekkersdal, Poortjie, Mohlakeng, Kagiso, Simunye, Westonaria, and even Roodepoort.

Thabang added that he formed his U17 soccer team in 2021 called the Bekkersdal Victory Football. The team had the opportunity to play with semi-professional teams such as the Wits Football Team. Thabang’s team was promoted in 2021 to the Rand West Regional League. He currently also coaches the Bekkersdal women’s football team.

“I have an active and dynamic approach to work and enjoy getting things done. I am determined and decisive. I identify and develop opportunities and have a deep love for sports,” Thabang said.

His biggest motivation was his parents, saying he enjoys exposing the youth to professionalism.

“Seeing them develop on the sports field and mentally gives me great satisfaction,” Thabang concluded.