Young soccer manager urges young people to stay sober
Yohanna Mathevula (20), a young soccer scout who hails from Xikukwani village outside Giyani, has urged young people to stay away from substance abuse and focus on sport.
LIMPOPO – “Today, many young people suffer from alcohol and drug abuse. They no longer focus on sport and this has resulted in soccer being irrelevant. So my plea to them is to stay away from these bad habits and focus on sports because that’s where their future is,” said Mathevula.
He realised at the age of 12 already that being a soccer manager is a calling.
” I was in Gr 7 when I started to develop a passion for soccer. I would buy expensive soccer jerseys and people would start to wonder why I would buy such expensive jerseys; little did they know I was following my calling,” he said.
In 2014, when he was in Gr 10, he started a sports agency were he managed to take three of his school mates, Innocent Sambo, Irvin Chabalala and Lyden Mathevula to trial at Benny’s Care Sports Academy, where they passed and represented the country in France during the Danone Cup.
In 2015, Mathevula managed to get a contract for a Botswana soccer player to come play for Giyani-based Bilika All Stars.
In 2016 he arranged trials for a few more players.
He is currently in Gr 12 at Mhangazi High School in Xikukwani village.
The name of his sports agency is Sundani Sports Agency.
Innocent Sambo, one of his clients, described him as a hardworking and humble young person who always makes them feel invaluable.
“Yohanna is a very good manager who is always there for us and gives us support, ” he said.
Players managed by Yohanna Mathevula:
1. Tshepo Mabasa – plays for Stellenbosch FC ( National First Division -NFD)
2. Wiseman Shabangu – plays for BV Winners park (ABC Motsepe soccer league)
3. Sithembiso Miya – plays for BV Winners Park (ABC Motsepe soccer league)
4. Nhlanhla Makhubele – plays for Baroka United ( Absa Premier Soccer League)
5. Lungelo Bhengu – plays for Kaizer Chiefs (Reserve)
6. Muxe Mchavi – Wilson Express (ABC Motsepe league)
7. Lyden Mathevula – Wilson Express (ABC Motsepe league)
