Coach Justin at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Justin

Pronoun: He/him

Hometown: Hanover Park

Favorite Sports: Soccer and rugby

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

I grew up with helping people who love to facilitate, and I grew to love it from the first day working with SOHK.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

I learn from different people and the audience, which changes my style and makes it easier for them to understand what I am trying to convey.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

Being young and letting older people respect and listen to me, I grew in my confidence.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

I did a NextGenMen program, and I got alot of good things from the people I did the program with

Coach Retha at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Retha

Pronouns: He/His

Hometown: Gugulethu

Favorite Sport: Soccer

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

My name is Rethabile Motsapi; I was born and bred in Cape Town, Gugulethu. Growing up in the township, I’ve seen and experienced plenty of things that would build or break a person. These things played a role in shaping my character; I want people to understand that it doesn’t matter where you’re from; if you put your mind to anything, you can make it happen - I strive for people to realize their potential & for them to become better human beings.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

Understanding that humans learn differently, I have sessions that include Visuals, Kinaesthetics, Neurodiverse, and cultural elements. These play a vital role as a coach because they provide me with different perspectives and dynamics when interacting with people.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

I had a participant who didn’t like to speak much, especially during safe zones. I got them to engage by understanding their type of individual. I made sure they understood that this was a safe space and no one would know what we spoke about. I also shared my stories to ensure they didn't feel like they were the only ones sharing.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from your time coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

I remember there was a tournament. I had to be there to witness my participants play, but unfortunately, I couldn't attend the tournament due to illness. I promised them to be there for the following tournament, and on the day of the tournament, they were so excited to see me; long story short, my participants won the tournament that day, and I was super proud of them. My fellow coaches congratulated me, telling me they played better than the last and asking, “What did you tell them before the tournament?” I never said anything; I knew they had it in them. All the credit has to go to them.

What advice would you give to students from similar backgrounds to those who attend SOHK programs?

• Have faith and believe in your abilities

• Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself

• Prioritise your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing

• you only fail when you give up. LL'sare lessons.

•Maintain a childlike curiosity; every day is a day to learn.

How do you prioritize and maintain your mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

By prioritising my mental health and well-being, I am able to maintain my energy, focus, and resiliency. This plays a vital role in helping me better support my surroundings.

• Hiking, Training, and engaging in activities that require using my mind or body to improve my mood. Communicating with my cousin: We always speak about life and how we are doing, engaging in conversations that will build me up as a human being.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

Exercising & Rest

What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and wellbeing

I would advise participants to prioritise self-care, making time for relaxation, exercise, and a healthy sleeping routine.

CORPORATE FUNDRAISER: Come and play 67 minutes of 5-a-side football in support of a mental health and sport-for-development cause!

Read more about the CAUSE here:
www.schoolofhardknocks.co.za

Teams can be mixed (men and ladies) and you can enter more than one team.

Limited number of team slots available, book early!

Questions?

Contact Jacqui on:

coo@schoolofhardknocks.co.za

or 064 526 4205

Coach Delice at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Delice

Pronouns: She/Her

Hometown: Thornton

Favorite Sport: Netball

I'm Delice Lumbu, a 20-year-old born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2006, my family and I fled to South Africa, seeking refuge and better opportunities. As a young immigrant, I faced xenophobic remarks and struggled to find my place. However, at 13, I joined the Adonis Musati Project, a mental health support group for foreigners, refugees, and young African youth. This experience helped me heal and ignited my passion for serving others, empowering youth, and fostering strong community bonds.

Through the Adonis Musati Project, I developed essential communication and leadership skills. I applied these skills in high school, becoming a member of the council of learners and eventually serving as Head Girl of J.G. Meiring High School in 2022. My love for community and youth development continued to grow, driving me to create positive change and uplift those around me.

When the Adonis Musati Project ended in 2024, I was still hungry to serve others and help youth. I sought new opportunities to make a meaningful impact. I applied to the School of Hard Knocks and was accepted as a coach. My dream is to continue empowering others with the tools and knowledge I've gained.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

As a coach, I've realized that everyone learns differently, and it's essential to adapt my coaching methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. Growing up as a foreign national in South Africa, I've experienced firsthand the importance of inclusivity and adaptability. In my coaching practice, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters youth growth, empowerment, and success. By being flexible and willing to adjust my approach, I can better serve youth with different learning styles, abilities, and needs, whether it is using interpretation services or visual aids or even using fun activities or games to break down difficult topics. I also practice the idea of nuance, recognizing that every individual's experiences and perspectives can be complex. I remain open-minded, avoiding assumptions and stereotypes, and instead focus on understanding each child's context and challenges. I have learned to shape myself in order to help others see and reach their full potential.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

One challenge is dealing with my own biases and assumptions. As a coach, I've realized that I'm not immune to biases and assumptions that can impact my coaching relationships. To overcome this, I've committed to ongoing self-reflection, practicing the idea of nuance, educating myself, and training to increase my awareness and cultural competence.

Managing my own emotional energy has been a significant challenge. As a coach, I'm constantly supporting others through their challenges, which can be emotionally draining. To overcome this, I've prioritized self-care, set healthy boundaries, and developed strategies to manage my emotional energy.

Lastly, I've struggled with wanting to do more than I can. I often take on others' burdens very heavily and want to help in absolutely any way possible. However, I've had to constantly remind myself that I cannot mix my work with my personal life. I must respect the boundaries of the youth around me and never take matters into my own hands. This lesson has been difficult, but it's essential to maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding burnout.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I am blessed with a very strong support system and am constantly around people who make me feel relaxed. I often spend time reading and writing to regulate my emotions. I also establish clear boundaries with those around me to protect my time and energy. I highly prioritize my own time to self-reflect and evaluate any personal issues or maintain my mental well-being.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I spend a lot of time praying and serving in the church. It gives me great peace and purpose and often boosts my confidence. Listening to music and dancing gives me absolute joy and helps me cope with stress. I love to spend time outdoors, whether it is going for a walk or a jog, sitting, or eating out with friends. It gives me peace of mind and prevents burnout.

What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

I believe that from a young age, society teaches us "the road to success" or "the road to happiness," we often trap ourselves by chasing dreams and ideas that are not truly ours. Life is not a race, and there is much more to it than what you see now. There are more opportunities, more people you will meet, more growth, and new experiences, so focus on being mindful of the present, make time for activities that you enjoy, find hobbies, allow yourself to make mistakes, but also learn from them, take your time, treat yourself with absolute kindness because peace starts within your mind. Exercise, get enough rest and remember you can always ask for help, there will be someone willing to listen to and help you. YOU ARE WORTHY.

Coach Ethan at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Ethan

Pronouns: He/Him

Favorite Sport: Volleyball

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

With the drive to be an Agent of Change in our society, I believe that SoHK is the perfect organisation for me to contribute to my goals of social upliftment through sport, and the environment they provide allows me to develop myself as both an individual and professional.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

By understanding people on a personal level, I can identify the most effective ways of interacting with and coaching them. This personal connection allows me to build a strong rapport and relationship with them and promotes success in my work.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I have found that managing stress and burnout effectively should be done in various forms of self-care. My most important ways include my lifestyle choices (eating habits and sleeping patterns), social interactions (friendly meet-ups and family gatherings), and physical activity (sports and gym).

What advice do you give your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

I remind every student and learner that regardless of their challenges, there is always an opportunity for them to succeed through adversity. And by working together, we can continue to develop their aptitudes in dealing with the challenges they face currently and in the future.

Coach Mimi

Pronouns: They / Them / Theirs

Hometown: Gugulethu

Favorite Sport: Soccer

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

I've never had an easy background, but it's shaped me into who I am today. I've faced my share of challenges and setbacks, but I've always found a way to persevere. From navigating tough situations to learning from my mistakes, I've grown resilient and determined. And here I am, still standing, learning, and growing.

I'm driven to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks because I want to share my story, be a positive role model, and lead by example. I aspire to be someone kids and adolescents can look up to, helping them navigate life's challenges in various ways, from finding their identity to building resilience. Through this journey, I also hope to learn, challenge myself, and grow, ultimately empowering the next generation to do the same.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

I adapt my coaching to suit individual needs and learning styles. I use various approaches, provide accommodations, and gather feedback to ensure each person receives effective support

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

Some of the biggest challenges I've faced as a coach include expressing my anger and public speaking when someone has offended me. Overcoming these challenges required self-reflection, preparation, and practice.

To address being offended, I've learned to communicate assertively yet respectfully, addressing the issue directly while maintaining a positive relationship.

Regarding public speaking, I've worked to build confidence through preparation, focusing on key messages, and engaging with my audience. With time and experience, I've become more comfortable sharing my thoughts and ideas with others, still a work in progress.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from your time coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

One memorable moment that stands out was when Lana invited our team to conduct sessions with netball players and adolescents in Milnerton. We implemented our program, and it was a resounding success. We were thrilled because we had met our goal. Seeing the positive impact we had on those young lives was incredibly fulfilling. It reinforced the importance of our work and motivated me to continue making a difference.

What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?

I'd say believe in yourself and your potential. If you're comfortable, invite others to support you on your journey. Surround yourself with positivity and seek guidance when needed. Remember, your background doesn't define you—it's a foundation for growth. Share your story only if you're comfortable doing so, and always prioritize your well-being.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I prioritize my mental health by setting boundaries, telling my story ( you'll hear about this one day ), practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed. This includes exercise, mindfulness, and connecting with loved ones. I also recognize when to take a step back and recharge, ensuring I'm energized and focused to support my clients effectively.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I find exercises like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga most effective in managing stress. Additionally, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, and prioritizing sleep also help. Setting realistic boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking social support from loved ones and peers also play a crucial role in preventing burnout.

What advice do you give your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

I advise my students to prioritize self-care, set realistic goals, and practice mindfulness. I also encourage them to express their emotions, seek support from loved ones or professionals, and take breaks when needed. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness