Coach Longamo: Passion, Growth, and Building a Better Future
Coach Longamo
Coach Longamo
Pronouns: he/his
Hometown: East London
Favorite Sport: Football
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?
Well, I'm from Mdantsane in East London; I come from a family of 5. I'm the last born, coming after two girls. I would love to say I'm a loving person who loves hanging out with friends, and this year, I discovered that I love working in an environment that helps children develop and develop me. My passion for personal development led me to become a coach at the SoHK. It felt like the right fit to develop myself more and test what I have learned throughout 2024.
How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?
I do that by being open to different types of learning styles, abilities, feedback, and learning from others around me. I know that I will be able to understand and help different people through my coaching methods.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was getting the female participants to be open to sharing what they think and mostly face when I engage them. So, I overcame them by doing it myself to be open to them, and then they could share more with me.
What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?
Be open to sharing your feelings and opinions whenever you feel like it.
How do you prioritize and maintain your mental health while managing the coaching demands?
I always make sure to do anything that will keep me level-headed, whether praying, going to church, or playing football. As a coach, I have to be in a good state of mind to manage the demands of coaching.
What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?
I share my feelings with my friends, pray, play football, and maybe listen to music.
What advice do you give your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?
Always put their mental health and well-being first and have a support structure that will always be there for them.