#LetsFixSAFootball | Komphela’s mission: Keeping football dreams alive in Fochville

Many of the best footballers South Africa has produced hail from underprivileged communities. With natural ability found on almost every street corner, it’s often not a shortage of talent that holds the country back — but rather the absence of systems to support and develop that talent.

Often, it only takes seeing an idol on TV or in a nearby stadium to spark the dream. But even when potential is obvious, limited access to opportunity, financial strain, and a lack of development pathways mean many careers never get the chance to begin.

In the small town of Fochville, west of Johannesburg, football remains the most popular sport among the youth. However, despite the passion, many young players don’t see a realistic route to professionalism. That disconnect often results in players drifting away from the game altogether.

Lucky Komphela, the founder of Mandawana Citizens FC — a club he has run since 2010 — has witnessed this reality up close. One of his biggest concerns is the rising drug use in the community, particularly among young people who might otherwise be involved in sport.

“There’s been a noticeable increase in drug use in the community, especially among the younger group,” Komphela says. “These are the same young people who could be involved in sport, but there just aren’t enough avenues keeping them engaged.”

The socioeconomic challenges run deep.

“Because of the different circumstances our players come from, there are times when some arrive for matches without having eaten beforehand. That in itself says a lot about the conditions that exist outside the field,” he adds.

Local infrastructure has also declined, with rundown facilities and limited access to transport hampering progress.

“It’s often the smaller, overlooked things like transport that end up affecting continuous growth,” Komphela explains.

Despite these challenges, Citizens FC have had their moments of success. The club previously won its Safa regional league and advanced to the Safa SAB League (formerly known as the Castle League). But maintaining that level has not been easy.

“We’ve dealt with challenges around travel costs, officiating fees and general administration,” Komphela continues.

“We fall under Merafong City, which includes Fochville, Greenspark, Carletonville and Wedela. Our current league, the Local Football Association, feeds into the SAB League. It’s a pathway that exists, but without proper support it’s not always easy to stay on it.”

Citizens FC currently relies heavily on support from local businesses. That assistance allows them to host small tournaments and remain active, but formal backing remains scarce.

“We do not get any assistance from Safa, and basic resources like playing kits or training equipment would go a long way in helping us,” he says.

Komphela’s broader concern lies in the absence of a national framework. “There isn’t a real connection between school football and the next level. Without that, it’s easy for players to disappear off the radar.”

In contrast, sports like cricket have created formal pipelines — such as development hubs which link with school cricket — to retain young talent. Football, in many areas, might benefit from something similar, particularly given the sheer numbers and interest the sport enjoys.