Pitching golfing talent in rural Limpopo
Rofhiwa Mphaphuli's objective is to promote the sport and unearth talent in rural areas, and to make golf more accessible to the previously disadvantaged.
LIMPOPO – The director of the Andrew Mlangeni Golf Development Academy, Rofhiwa Mphaphuli from Mbilwi, is a keen golfer and developer.
His objective is to promote the sport and unearth talent in rural areas, and to make golf more accessible to the previously disadvantaged.
Before the lockdown, staff from the academy visited young stars from many areas and schools, and assigned them a coach who taught them the basics of golf, and they then periodically visited the golf course for practical ball-striking lessons, he told CV.
“We engaged retired professionals and pensioner golfers to train juniors at various schools close to the golf course and pay a monthly stipend for their services. Some children who stay close to a golf course attend training on weekends and some at the complex.”
He said that their venture ensured that continuous development and maintenance of effective high-performance programmes took place and that golf structures were developed from a grass-root level.Their programme provided a platform for rural youths to showcase their talent, but also encouraged healthy lifestyles and social cohesion.
“We organise workshops in areas under traditional leadership. Our icon, Nelson Mandela, taught us that nothing brings people together like sport. I want to encourage young people who are not participating in sport to get involved and work hard to win.”
He said he is a firm believer that an active body promotes a healthy mind, “and in sport I have hope for the future generation of this province”.
The objective is to contribute, in a small way, to changing lives, especially in rural areas, Mphaphuli concluded.
