HUMANSDORP – Future Stars Football Club, based in Humansdorp, is making a meaningful impact on young people in the community through sport and development.
According to coach Thando Tyibilika, who was motivated by his upbringing, his family’s love of sport and his late brother Reggie Tyibilika, who played a big role in Kouga soccer, the club was formed in 2024.
He said that he initially started the club with eight players aged between seven and 17.
Tyibilika said that the club, which has played a crucial role in steering children from negative influences in the community, has since grown to 65 players.
“In our area there are a lot of challenges with the youth being involved with gangsterism, drugs and violence at schools,” said Tyibilika.
“Soccer keeps children away from bad elements in the community by teaching them about life skills and the various challenges they can experience, with the help of motivational speakers.”
The team practices from Monday to Friday at 15:00 on an open field in Vergenoeg.
Despite the positive growth, the club faces financial difficulties.
“We’re struggling a lot without funding. We can’t even afford to buy a ball for training as we rely on old pensioners who are the grandparents of the players,” said Tyibilika.
He added that the benefits of the programme extend beyond the soccer field.
Tyibilika said that he has seen a huge change in each player’s behaviour which has positively impacted their schoolwork since they help one another after soccer practice.
He further said that the community response to the soccer club has been encouraging.
“Every day there’s a new face at training and that means a lot to us,” said Tyibilika.
He said his long-term goal is to expand the initiative by establishing a soccer academy for the youth in Kouga.
This academy will focus on producing professional players for big teams around South Africa and abroad.
Tyibilika said that the club is currently seeking sponsorship for uniforms, soccer kits, training equipment and transport for trips outside Kouga, as the team has already participated in tournaments around the Eastern Cape.
Parent Ayanda Mtyaleka, whose 14-year-old son joined the club at the beginning of 2025, said the programme has had a positive influence on her child.
“I continue to support the club because of what our children are gaining from being part of this soccer team, which is priceless. It is an investment in their future, and seeing their determination and joy makes every sacrifice we do as parents worthwhile,” said Mtyaleka.
She further highlighted the importance of such programmes in the community.
“Soccer teams and programmes are important because they build a strong foundation, teach life skills, keep children in a safe, structured environment and improve their physical fitness and mental health,” said Mtyaleka.
She added that parents currently fund equipment, kits and travel costs themselves.
Mtyaleka also shared that her son’s health has improved significantly since joining the team.
“My son is an asthma patient and ever since he started soccer we haven’t had any issues. His doctor also suggested that he joins soccer to improve his lung function and reduce asthma symptoms,” said Mtyaleka.
“He has also become more social, lively and enthusiastic.”
Mtyaleka expressed her gratitude to last year’s sponsors, including local business Grand Liquors Humansdorp and former resident Vukile Maseti, both of whom sponsored Future Stars Football Club during the 2025 tournament where the club hosted approximately 15 teams from around Kouga and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, and enabled the club to purchase trophies.
For more information contact Thando Tyibilika at 065 559 6394.
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