20 April 2023
Given the extraordinary opportunities afforded learners at KwaZulu-Natal’s leading boys’ schools, one looks to them as the future leaders of South Africa. Yet, it isn’t a simple task to take those reins while still in school. Some do, though, like Michaelhouse matriculant Muako Maepa.
A man with a plan
Muako is a man with a plan, and he is proactive. That has led to the establishment of the IlluMMination Foundation, which focuses on human upliftment and football development. It’s his way to be of service to South Africa and to empower the youth of the country.
He’s a driven individual. Testament to that is a cookbook he released at the age of 15, called “Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are”.
Now Muako’s IlluMMination Foundation – https://illummination.com/ – has established a division called the Santuako Movement Football Clinics, “which promotes football and life skills training within under-developed communities across South Africa that require aid to access the correct coaching and facilities”.
Muako is hard at work to attract private funding to help talented youngsters to fulfil their potential.
Recently, the Rector’s Report from Michaelhouse shared one of the IlluMMination Foundation’s newer projects, the “pre-loved shoes” movement.
The Foundation is collecting boots, running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, running spikes and sneakers from those who may no longer be putting what they have to use. Especially among growing boys, there must be footwear that can be donated to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You can also securely donate online at https://illummination.com/get-involved/
If you wish to contribute in-person, a drop-box will be placed near the Heritage Centre on the Michaelhouse-Hilton Derby Day, 29 April.
Why football development?
While Muako is collecting footwear of all kinds, the IlluMMination Foundation has chosen to focus on football development. The question is why?
The answer is simple, really. Football is an international sport, played by people everywhere. It’s a universal connecter, bringing communities together, while crossing all manner of barriers.
The seeds for the IlluMMination Foundation were sown in 2018 when Muako and his friend, Santino Da Silva, visited the Diepsloot township in Johannesburg. There, they came upon a fully equipped football academy which held after-school practices for the local youth. The duo promised they would return one day to serve the community.
Sadly, a few years later, Santino passed away and this served as the catalyst for Muako to bring the IlluMMination Foundation to life. It was to serve as a tribute to his friend, and to keep the promise they made at the age of 13.
Two names, one Movement
The Santuako Movement Football Clinics, thus, were born, combining the names of the two friends. Football, after all, served as one of the cornerstones of their relationship.
The goal is two hosts four clinics per year, for scouted boys and girls between the ages of eight and 17, from different backgrounds.
These will be led by Zen Gowar, a UEFA-certified development coach, who is also Head of Steyn City School Football, and the founder of the Gold City Royals Football Club.
Beyond that, though, the next step is to establish the Santuako Movement Football Academy, which will be a fully-fledged training facility able to provide students with footballs skills development, life-skills training, education on football administration, and good nutrition.
The Academy will, furthermore, introduce a scholarship programme, aimed at opening up opportunities for students to continue to pursue their football dreams in Europe and the USA.
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