Coach Retha: Building Confidence, Character, and Champions from Gugulethu
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.