Thembisa-born mentor shaping football and community futures

My name is Lehlohonolo Selepe (38), better known as Coach Nyonyo. I was born and raised in Thembisa, in the Difateng section, and this township has been home to me my entire life. One of my most memorable moments was in 2007, when we were selected as winners of the Thembisa Sibonise Majivane dancing competition.

I was chosen to be part of the IDA dancing crew, which opened many doors for me. That experience took me onto stages, television, and into music videos, moments that shaped my confidence and passion for performance. Thembisa is full of surprises.

It is a township rich with talent and an amazing lifestyle. I believe that if you move with respect in everything you do, you will receive it back in the form of blessings. This is a place of hope, where dreams can grow if you stay focused and grounded.

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As a community, I believe we must take care of our families and create healthy environments for one another. A turning point in my life came in 2008, when I was selected for Orlando Pirates development trials at Mayfair Sports Grounds. That experience sparked a deep interest in football and influenced the direction my life would take thereafter. One of the challenges facing our community is the lack of strong, progressive leadership platforms.

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