"Legends are not only remembered for the goals they score, but for the lives they continue to shape long after the final whistle." Marks "Go Man Go" Maponyane continues to prove that some of football's greatest victories happen long after the final whistle has blown.
The South African football legend recently joined forces with the North-West University's (NWU's) Potchefstroom Campus soccer club - Tawana - and the newly launched Excel Youth Academy in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, to inspire, mentor and develop aspiring young footballers.
The partnership culminated in the launch of the Excel Youth Academy and a three-day football training camp, held from 3 to 5 July 2026 at Ladysmith High School. The camp welcomed aspiring footballers aged 6 to 19, offering them the opportunity to sharpen their technical skills, receive mentorship, and learn valuable life lessons from experienced coaches and one of South Africa's most celebrated football icons.
At the heart of the initiative is NWU alumnus Wamukelwe Radebe, co-founder and managing director of the Excel Youth Academy. A proud son of Ladysmith, Wamukelwe returned to his hometown with a vision of creating opportunities for young people through football. Inspired by his experiences at the NWU and driven by a passion for community development, he established the academy as a platform that nurtures talent while promoting education, discipline and leadership.
Recognising the value of investing in young people, Tawana partnered with On the Ball with Marks - youth mentorship and soccer development clinics hosted by South African football legend Marks Maponyane - to support the academy's vision. The collaboration reflects the university's commitment to community engagement and demonstrates how meaningful partnerships can create opportunities that extend far beyond the football field.
Leading the NWU delegation was soccer manager and Tawana head coach Michael Seleka and former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and current Tawana goalkeeper coach Philane Zikalala. They were accompanied by Tshediso Tom, the recreational soccer coordinator and administrative assistant in the Office of the Campus Director: Student Life. Together, they facilitated coaching clinics, mentorship sessions and interactive engagements with young players, parents, coaches and community stakeholders throughout the three-day camp.
For many of the aspiring footballers, sharing the field with Maponyane was an unforgettable experience. Beyond refining their football skills, participants were encouraged to embrace discipline, resilience and the importance of education and values that continue to define Maponyane's enduring legacy and align with the academy's mission of developing well-rounded young leaders.
