Local coach inspires youth
Mhlengi Nxele a passionate soccer enthusiast is pioneering a movement that empowers youth in KwaMashu through sports and education.
Nxele, 33, is the Chairperson of Magic Future Stars, a non-profit organisation he established in 2014, dedicated to training children aged 6 to 18, showing them that the love for soccer can coincide with their pursuit of academic success.
Mhlengi’s journey to founding the organisation began during his practical teaching experience at Dr JL Dube High School.
Over a mere ten weeks, he witnessed a remarkable transformation as the school's team won the schools league for the first time in over two decades.
This unexpected success ignited a spark within the pupils, who pleaded with Nxele to stay and continue providing sports opportunities.
The principal’s encouragement further solidified his commitment to foster children's potential, both in sports and academics.
Today, Nxele plays a pivotal role as the coordinator of the KwaMashu schools league, tirelessly seeking sponsorship and resources to keep the league vibrant.
Beyond the soccer field, he ensures that children remain in school—helping them secure admissions into secondary and tertiary institutions, and even supporting overage pupils to further education and training colleges.
His dual aim is to not only nurture soccer skills but also academic aspirations, believing that these facets are interconnected.
In order to fulfil the ambitious goals of Magic Future Stars, Nxele relies on donations and support from the community, including family and friends.
His wife takes on vital roles such as kit maintenance and administration, reflecting their shared commitment to uplift their local community.
However, like many community initiatives, Nxele’s organization faces challenges, including a shortage of motivated volunteers willing to be positive role models for the children.
Some of the complexities Nxele’s organisation has encountered are from parents.
“Parents seek help under false pretences such as bringing their children to be assisted with their admission to school and then disappearing and not participate in their activities afterwards. They also want to use the organisation as a rehab facility for their troublesome children,” he said.
Despite these hurdles, Nxele remains optimistic, motivated by the potential he sees in the children.
He says the opportunities his organisation provides, often mirror those available to children from wealthier backgrounds. “My wish is to see the kids who came through our organisation give back and uplift others, just as they were supported,” he said.
Nxele has several academic qualifications. He holds a National Diploma in Taxation, a PGCE, a Bachelor of Technology in Taxation, and has earned sports coaching qualifications—he is uniquely positioned to inspire change within his community.
He envisions Magic Future Stars competing with the finest non-profit organisations in South Africa, renowned for their professionals and their capacity to produce exceptional youth contributors to society.