Duduza United FC is a local football team founded in 2009 with the aim of identifying talented players from impoverished backgrounds and nurturing them into successful sports professionals.
According to Lucky Mgciwa, the founder and coach of the team, his goal is to build a drug-free youth community and encourage young people to lead a healthy lifestyle from an early age.
“The team was established after I observed that many aspiring players in Masechaba had no soccer team to join. I wanted to reduce the number of young people turning to crime and drugs by introducing them to proper sport, where they could learn values like self-respect and discipline.
Most importantly, I wanted to give them an opportunity to express themselves through soccer. To keep my players motivated, I don’t just act as their coach—I am also a friend, a brother, and someone they can trust.”
Lucky earned his D-License in coaching in June 2019 under SAFA. However, he highlighted some of the struggles he faces as a soccer coach.
“One of the biggest challenges is operating without any formal or informal support. I have to cover everything from my own pocket, despite not having a proper structure, a training field, or the necessary equipment to provide quality training.”
The team is now appealing for assistance. “We kindly request support in the form of soccer balls, kits, training equipment, tights, and sports bras for our female players.”
Despite these challenges, Lucky also shared some of the team’s achievements.
“The team has won a treble at the Sisonke Diskie tournament three times in a row. We also won the Tsakane Ext 10 Ladies Tournament. Additionally, I was honored as one of the recipients of the Duduza Heroes Awards 2022 in the category of Best Local Soccer Coach.”
Anyone willing to donate can contact Lucky Mgciwa at 073 947 8525.
