Hhoyi, Mpumalanga, South Africa

	Silindile Thobela		Age: 23
			“Through sports I have achieved, and they have made me who I am today. I want to be a successful role model.”

Silindile started playing football with SCORE in 1999 and played until the end of her school career in 2004. During this time, she played for various teams, including Vodacom league team Vodacom Amazon.

She left her life of sport to pursue her studies further and complete a diploma in Sports Management. On returning to her community Hhoyi, she found that they were still active in sport and was appointed manager to Vodacom League team Mbombela United. She now dedicates her time to her community, by helping younger players develop their skills, so that they also contribute to their communities.
 
The importance of role models in the community is a well understood by Silindile. “I am from Hhoyi and proud of the people who have made me, me. Through sport you have opportunity and in rural areas it is hard to make it, unless you are from cities like Gauteng.” Silindile is an example of a strong female sportswoman who has succeeded in her sport and studies and is now sharing her skills and experience with her community. “I would advise that a child in sport, is a child out of jail. When you play sport, your mind is set free.”
 
Under Silindile’s guidance, young aspiring football player Khoza Agrreneth joins the Cup of Heroes team this year and shares with us her experience of the tournament.

	Agreeneth Khoza
			“They say SCORE changes lives through sport, and I have seen myself change through football.” “I have been playing football since I was 11 years old. At first I was selected for Hhoyi ladies, then I was selected for Young Cosmos. I enjoy everything about it, fitting fit, making friends and playing for the community,” she said.