The Impact of Football: Tshepo from South Africa
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When I’m playing football I have to concentrate to get past the defenders, and this has taught me how to concentrate in the classroom says Tshepo.
Tshepo's Story
My name is Tshepo Mashego from South Africa. I’m 14 years old and I’m from the township of Thubelihle, outside Witbank. I go to school at the local High School where most of the windows have been broken or vandalized.
There used to be no sport in our school before Lebo Mtshweng arrived. She works as a volunteer with SCORE which is an organization that helps community development through sport together with UNICEF. A lot of the kids used to lack confidence before we started playing football, but now they have so much more belief in themselves.
My friends and I love football. We make a clearing in the long grass to create a football pitch. Sport makes my friends and I feel fit and strong and it helps us in many areas of our lives. When I’m playing football I have to concentrate to get past the defenders, and this has taught me how to concentrate in the classroom.
My friend Kenneth is three years older and plays football too. He knows many boys that he grew up who have ended up using alcohol and drugs. Football has given me a sense of purpose and helped me stay away from trouble. Our coach encourages us to play soccer and he guides us in life.
Like this story? Read similar stories about the impact of football in Honduras or in the Ivory Coast.
