Dona’s Mates Youth Development Project will host a Youth Coaches and Leaders Workshop/Training on 31 October at the Orange Farm Multi-Purpose Centre. The event targets coaches and leaders working in ECD centres, primary schools, and high schools across Orange Farm, Lakeside, Drieziek, Finetown, Kanana Park, Wheilers Farm, and Migson Manor.
In partnership with the National Youth Service (NYS) and SSCNA, Dona’s Mates aims to reduce youth unemployment while addressing critical social challenges by using sport as a tool for life skills development. For over 26 years, the organisation has witnessed the transformative power of sport in steering young people away from violence, gangsterism, and bullying, while fostering discipline and positive life choices.
“We want to equip our Youth Coaches and Leaders with the right coaching techniques and life skills knowledge so they can positively influence children and young people,” says James “Maradona” Shabangu, CEO & Founder of Dona’s Mates Youth Development Project.
The training will feature experienced coaches such as Paradise Moeketsi, Floyd Mogale, Mike Ntombela, Rainer Abraham, Seth Moloi, Thato Dladla, Shakes Mashaba, Benedict Vilakazi, and Lloyd Tafney.
The South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA Soweto) will also participate, sharing insights from football greats who have confirmed their attendance, including Tebogo Moloi, Gardner Seale, Barney Nonyane, Big Boy Kholoane, Patson Banda (SAMLFA Gauteng Chairperson), Banks Sethlodi (SAMLFA National Think Tank Chairperson), and Judah Duiker.
The organisers also hope to welcome SAMLFA National President Jacob Budha Mathathe and Johannesburg Football Association President Phil Mogodi. This workshop is expected to empower youth coaches, strengthen community sports programmes, and inspire young people towards positive change.
For more information, call James “Maradona” Shabangu on 072 616 2244.
