By: Prince Neo Mokwena
“True coaching greatness is not measured solely by wins or trophies, but by the lives positively impacted and the character instilled in every player who steps onto the field.” ~ Duffy Daugherty
At the heart of Soshanguve Block VV, resides an individual whose passion for soccer goes beyond the boundaries of the sport. Meet Tisetso Adams, a community soccer coach whose unwavering commitment in soccer, is transforming the lives of aspiring young soccer players in the community each day. He is committed towards taking young people off the streets, and encouraging them to participate in sports activities such as soccer.
His passion for soccer developed during his primary school days, where he attended North Ridge Primary School. During his primary school days, he played for the school soccer team, as well as Club Soccer. He later proceeded to Clapham High School, and he played for the South African National Team U16, he also represented Gauteng North.
In terms of academics, during his high school days he aspired to become either a pilot or a chartered accountant. He later enrolled for tertiary education, at Southern Business School now known as STADIO Higher Education. This is where he attained his Degree in Business Administration. He also holds an Honours in Business Management from Wits University. He is now employed at AVBOB as a Client Service Specialist.
His passion for soccer whilst growing up, was shorty interrupted by being surround by a mischievous company of friends. This is the part where he was introduced to substances such as alcohol, and smoking. After acknowledging the mistakes he made when he was younger, he then took it upon himself to ensure that the youth of his community does not engage in the same mistakes that he made growing up. Hence, he started this soccer team (Golden Stars) together with his wife, Lesego Adams, in an attempt to keep the children of their community off the streets, and engage them in sports activities. Coach Adams and his wife Lesego Adams both manage the team together.
“There’s a lot of youngsters in the community, so we are trying to keep them off the streets, by creating a positive environment that helps them avoid engaging in substances, that’s the main purpose of this team.”, said Coach Adams in an interview.
He also mentioned that he not only encourages them to play sports, but he encourages them to also take their school education seriously. Hence, they only practice on Fridays during exams, and Monday to Friday after exams.
The youngest team member is 5 years, and the oldest is 16 years of age. He believes in grooming kids at their early ages, in order teach them both soccer as well as discipline. Young girls in the community are also taking interest in joining the Golden Stars soccer team. So far, there is one whom practices along with the boys in the meantime, however, Coach Adams plans on establishing a girls soccer team in the near future.
“I’m not only their coach, I believe I am also their mentor, and I try to motivate them as much as I can. Those are the things that really drive me as a person, to see these young boys thriving, and not being involved in bad activities in life.”, he said.
Golden Stars soccer team started off with very few members back in 2021, and it has now grown into a big team comprising of plus minus 60 players. It is also doing exceptionally well within their respective leagues.
“We’re a very strong team if you check on the league, our U11s are number two, U13s are number three and U15s are also number two. So, we are a very competitive team.”, says Coach Adams.
One of the challenges the Adams face running this team, is the financial upkeep of the team.
“As you know running a team is very costly. Because you have to buy things such as soccer gear, soccer balls etc. So, I’d say about 60% of the cost of the team are incurred by me and my wife. Then parents sometimes do step in to assist here and there.”, he added.
The team currently does not have any active sponsor, they once had someone sponsor the purchasing of the soccer gear, however, it was a once off type of sponsorship. Because of this, transporting the kids to soccer matches on weekends is a huge challenge, as some kids do not have money to pay for transport, but they are passionate about the sport. As a result, Coach Adams and his wife have to use some of the funds that are meant to be used to purchase their household items, to cover the costs of running the team.
“It’s challenging and difficult because you need to understand that you are working with kids, and kids are very emotional. So, turning a child away just because he does not have transport money to contribute, will make him feel neglected or rejected. Which will push him back to the streets.”, Coach Adams further added that he would have himself to blame should he see that very same child destroying his own future. Because he believes that he had an opportunity to change that child’s life.
Another challenge Coach Adams faces is lack of support from the children’s parents. Finances aside, he wishes that parents should at least come see their children play to give them that emotional support.
Coach Adams also mentioned that the team needs assistance with getting sustainable sponsorships, in order to cover transport costs, soccer balls etc. Because he mentioned that he purchases about 4 soccer balls every three months, using his own money. Which he sometimes needs to use to cover his household costs.
“The kids get excited whenever I bring a new soccer ball. So, sometimes when I have to use the money I need to buy a soccer ball, I reply myself by saying as long as the kids are happy and content. Which is one of the things that fulfils me, which is seeing these kids happy.”
When asked about his future plans for the team, Coach Adams says he would like to see Golden Stars growing towards being able to compete against bigger teams such as Kaizer Chiefs, TUKS, Sundowns in professional leagues. Hence, he says he is in the process of registering the team with the Gauteng Development League (GDL), which he believes will give the kids the right exposure within the soccer field.
“Seeing these youngsters progress to into becoming something in life, is part of the things that would fulfil me as a person.”, he said.
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