We are back with another inspiration story by Africans, we urge all Risers to read and be inspired. Lydia Nemafhohoni is no stranger to our newspaper; she is now a part of family. This hardworking lady is from Ha Rambuda Dzimauli Traditional Authority, Pile Village, Vhembe District, Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province in South Africa.
“Happy to be back again to share another story with Rise Africans Newspaper family. Living with disability really keeps me strong (I use wheelchair), my love for football started long time. I remember listening to Kaizer Chiefs (South African professional soccer team) game on radio at a very young age. There was a team in my village called “Pile Fast Mighty Killers” which was joyful to watch, and another team called “Badirammogo Peacemakers”. I then chose to support “Pile Shinning Stars” which later changed its name to “Pile Rama” then “Managa Uprising Stars”, she said.
Mr Ndoweni Joseph Managa, Lydia’s step father owned a Managa Uprising Stars (currently called Managa Rising Stars Academy) and surprisingly chose her to take over a team in 2022. He promised to assist her financially and the rest is history.
“I really did not know why he chose me to manage the team. My first task was to build a management team of the club. I found out that the club did not have a soccer kit so I went to Mr David Thidiela (Black Leopards FC – Chairman) to ask for an assistant and he humbly gave me a soccer kit. From there many people like Mphohoni Lawrence, Emmanuel Managa, Rudzani Managa, Aron Sirwali and Nefale – big lawyer decided to sponsor us with soccer kit, soccer boots and other things”, added Lydia.
In 2022/23 season, the team failed to take a league but ended up on 3rd position. It was a blessings cause the team managed to win the biggest tournament in Vhembe of Marshall tournament worth R 12 000,00. It also achieved second position in a local tournament called “Vhaphandi”.
“The big issue in a soccer industry is discipline, most of our players lack discipline! I used to tell them that am not doing this for them, they are the ones who will benefit but not me. Soccer players must have passion or else leave if they do not like. I like to develop young players because my father always has a passion for development”, she said.
Managa Rising Stars Academy is working hard to get promotion to SAB League and Lydia’s dream is to join a board of VBA (Vhembe Football Association). Rise Africans Newspaper is proud to see African child rising to the top despite difficult circumstances.
Hail Managa Rising Stars Academy Boss Lady!
MORE INFORMATION can be found: contact – 0768070141 email: makhulu49@gmail.com
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