Dumisani Ntsodo
Dumisani began his lifelong career in soccer at the age of 5 on the streets of Khayelitsha. His passion truly developed when he attended trials and was drafted into the academy system at Seven Stars at the age of 7. He was mentored and trained by Basel Puzzy Jansens, a local legend of youth development, who helped him discover his potential as a player further. Dumisani was promoted into the Ajax Cape Town Academy at age 11, where his professional training truly began. Many young boys in his community looked up to him as a mentor and someone that they aspired to be. This admiration developed a deep and occasionally daunting sense of responsibility within Dumisani, which made him even more determined to succeed.
After matriculating at the age of 17 at Queens Park High School, Dumisani wanted to pursue studies in Sports Management but was unable to find the financial means to do so. However, soccer continued to provide opportunities and at 19 he was selected from open trials to the Western Province Team for Futsal. Dumisani’s performances in a SAFA national tournament resulted in him being selected for the South African National Team. This achievement was extremely special to Dumisani as he was the first player to make the team from Khayelitsha. In 2012 he represented South Africa in the World Cup Qualifiers. The experience, he says, is something that he will never forget. Tragically, in 2016 Dumisani suffered a career ending injury to his ankle that ended his career as a soccer player. However, his relationship with soccer did not end there, and soon he began to pursue a life of coaching. This has allowed him to return home and display his skill and knowledge of football in such a way that provides aid to so many young people who are facing the challenges he once did.
Dumisani is the current director at Ikasi Soccer School, which develops and nurtures young under-privileged girls in an after school program in khayelitsha “currently working in four schools”. He dreamed of providing professional training alongside a safe and fun environment for those less privileged and Ikasi has made that dream a reality. Dumisani has pursued his own training in coaching, acquiring various badges and his CAF C License, and he utilises his knowledge in mentoring his coaches.
Dumisani also coached the U16 at Green Point Salesians, St Georges Grammar Preparatory School U11, Grade 2&3 and the girls team in the year 2017&18, Soccer Warriors U14 Year 17&18, Total Football Academy U14 Year 18&19 and its where he received alot of support in establishing his vision for khayelitsha girls who are at primary level grades till high school &beyond.
In 2019 July he received the 4 days basic after school Practioners training with the Western Cape government and The Learning Trust and recently in 2020 March he just completed a 5days NLP Training with the Trust Connection and Tristan Soames.