At United Through Sport, success isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving back. Aviwe and Lelethu, through coaching and mentorship, show how dedication to sport can transform lives and communities. From coaching in township schools to earning national honours, their stories embody what it means to lead with heart and purpose.
From Coaching on the Field to Mentorship in the Classroom
The Aviwe Mapuma Journey
Aviwe Mapuma’s story is one of transformation, mentorship, and the power of sport to change lives.
Beginning his journey as a Coach Intern with United Through Sport in mid-2024, Aviwe brought more than just energy and athleticism to township school fields-he brought purpose and passion.
In just six months, Aviwe made an impressive impact:
• He coached an Under-13 boys’ soccer team to a 4th-place finish in the league.
• He coached an All-Star Team that went on to win the Aware.org Tournament-an unforgettable highlight for him as a first-time coach.
• He even took to the field himself during the tournament, where his team secured second place.
Beyond the wins and scores, Aviwe understood the importance of investing in his own growth. He earned a First Aid Certificate and completed short courses funded by United Through Sport, including:
• Coaching Techniques for Youth Sports
• Sports Psychology for Development
Operating in communities where physical education is often overlooked, Aviwe became a vital presence in the lives of many learners. He not only coached, but mentored-supporting tournament planning, leading life-skills sessions on topics like underage drinking, and handling logistics like nutrition and team gifts during major sports events.
As part of United Through Sport’s Mass Participation Programme, Aviwe contributed meaningfully by delivering regular sports training and life-skills sessions at township schools, helping ensure that children in under-resourced areas had access to quality physical education and mentorship.
Today, Aviwe continues to inspire from a new platform. In February 2025, he was appointed as a college lecturer at UXi Sport, specializing in sport development and high-performance coaching. He now leads the curriculum in youth sport coaching, equipping future coaches and athletes with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools for holistic athlete development.
Aviwe Mapuma’s journey-from UTS intern to dual graduate and now lecturer-is a shining example of youth development in action. His story reflects the true impact of United Through Sport: of building futures.
From Siyaphakama to the Springboks
The Lelethu Nono Journey
Lelethu Nono, now a Grade 9 learner, first showcased his rugby talent as part of the Siyaphakama Rugby Team at Isaac Booi Primary School. Recognized early on as a star player by his coach, his skill and dedication earned him a prestigious bursary to attend Grey High School.
At Grey, Lelethu wasted no time in making his mark. Selected straight into the A team and later crowned Best Player of the Season in his first year, he quickly proved that hard work and discipline pay off.
This year, his rugby career soared to new heights. Lelethu was chosen to represent the province at the Grant Khomo Week in Pretoria, where his leadership and sportsmanship led to him being appointed Vice Captain of the team.
His outstanding performance there opened an even bigger door-selection for the U/16 Springbok National Team.
In October, Lelethu will travel with the national squad to Paarl for a week-long tournament, proudly flying the flag for his school, his community, and Siyaphakama Rugby.
We celebrate Lelethu’s remarkable achievements and look forward to witnessing his continued growth. He stands as a shining example of excellence, discipline, and determination, an inspiration to every young player who dreams big.
Keep shining, Lelethu, the future is yours!
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