The Sontonga Mall Sporting Chance Holiday Programme was launched in the Katlehong community in March 2023, bringing the total number of Sporting Chance Holiday Programmes implemented in the Futuregrowth Community Property Fund to six. A total of 10 500 scholars have participated in Sporting Chance Holiday Programmes since 2015.

Sporting Chance is a leading sports coaching and development organisation in South Africa that uses sport to break down barriers between generations, cultures and income levels. Its programmes are used by the Fund as a vehicle to keep children in the communities surrounding the shopping centres occupied in a positive activity and away from social ills during school holidays.

The programmes consist of three phases: life skills education; coaching clinics; and a sporting tournament. The programmes take place over four days and are held at the shopping centre or at a nearby community sports field.

Themba Gudlhuza is the passionate Sporting Chance Coordinator who runs the Sontonga Mall holiday programme in Katlehong. He grew up in Giyani, Limpopo and has lived in Katlehong for over nine years.

Themba is a Social Auxiliary Worker for the Department of Social Development and has extensive experience in sport. He has played in amateur soccer leagues representing various teams including Napoli Football Club and Giyani Classique Football Club. He established Gudlhuza Football Club, a developmental soccer team for players aged 11 – 17 years in Katlehong, which is affiliated to the South African Footfall Association (SAFA) Junior League. The football club aims to develop young players through coaching and mentorship and to steer youth away from crime and substance abuse.

Through the Sporting Chance Programme Themba is able to combine his passion for sport and community upliftment. “The Sporting Chance Programme has given me the platform to help more kids through sport and to impart life skills which will help them to be responsible citizens. The project is making a positive impact in the community as it affords young children the opportunity to receive quality coaching and life skills education while also affording local coaches the opportunity do what they do best” says Themba.

The following link shows Themba and his team of 11 Sporting Chance Holiday Programme coaches in action in Katlehong.