Sello joins fellowship for Stadium of Life
Kick4Life player, Sello Mohami, nicknamed ‘Macala’, has been selected for a fellowship for the Stadium of Life project. Alongside nine other young people, Sello’s application was accepted by rise – Relationships in Social Enterprise – who are managing the construction.
It is the latest positive step for the 22-year-old from Mazenod who first heard about Kick4Life in 2021 from his friend Thabo ‘Roger’ Mahlaha, who was a K4L Academy participant at the time (he has since graduated to a student-athlete scholarship in the USA).
Sello was intrigued by what K4L had to offer, and as a talented football player, he soon joined Kick4Life’s men’s team – nicknamed Juventude due to the young age of its players. His attitude impressed Head Coach, Mukete Mboh, who says, “Macala is a focused boy, he knows what he wants and he does not mind putting work towards achieving that. He is a young man with a dream and a vision, he is open to learning. He is a real young leader”. While embracing the positive culture at the club, Sello was determined to continue his academic pursuits, and last year he graduated with a Diploma in Construction Management from Lerotholi Polytechnic.
As part of Kick4Life, which he describes as ‘a second home’, Sello has accessed a number of other opportunities, participating in the Good Health & Wellbeing through Sport curriculum where he learned about diverse topics such as nutrition, hygiene and HIV prevention. He has also received careers support and guidance, developing a long-term plan to study civil engineering and eventually to run his own construction company. In order to gain work experience, over the last year Sello has also volunteered with Kick4Life’s Maintenance Team helping with repairs and grounds keeping, and gaining new skills such as plumbing and electrics. Groundskeeper, Teboho Selikane, describes Sello as, “a humble person, respectful and professional in his job, and always willing to learn new things”.
When the opportunity to apply for a fellowship with rise for the Stadium of Life project earlier this year was announced, it was a perfect next step for Sello, and he was thrilled when his application to join the six-month programme was accepted. Working alongside his peers, he is now part of a young team, guided by experienced practitioners, to design and develop the Stadium of Life at Kick4Life, including converted container changing rooms, a new pitch and stands constructed from sustainable materials.
Reflecting on his experience with rise so far, Sello states, “I am thankful for the opportunity to learn while doing, being a part of this team. I am gaining good experience, and entrepreneurial skills, and I am paving a bright future for myself. Also, I am opening doors for more opportunities in the future, and to work towards my goals.’
Motlatsi Nkhahle, Kick4Life’s Country Director, says, “We are very proud of this young fellow, he lives up to the Kick4Life mission. His engagement and participation with Kick4Life helped him to attain this opportunity with rise, where he is able to put into practice everything he has learned from school. He is a role model for others with his passion for both football and academics.”
