Mokoena to make a difference

But this hasn’t stopped the Blackburn Rovers defender-cum-midfielder from launching the Aaron Mokoena Foundation, which he believes will change the lives of young South Africans for the better.   Mokoena says the vision behind the Foundation is about giving something tangible back to the people of South Africa.   “It must be a legacy that I am not only proud of, but which makes a real difference in people’s lives. I have been very fortunate to get to where I am today, though it was not without a lot of hard work and sacrifices, and I want to give other kids the chance to follow the same road.   “I also started from humble beginnings and I know what good development work can do in the townships to help talented kids make a better life for themselves.”   Mokoena says he will not be focusing just on the youth.   “The aim is to improve development as a whole in the area, and that means giving proper education to prospective coaches, as well as working in the school system to provide coaching clinics and fun activities for kids around football.   “The Aaron Mokoena Foundation can also help with job creation for former players, or anybody who has the ability to be a coach.   “I went through the junior ranks of South African football, from the national Under-23s to the senior side, and I know development could be better in our country.   “The talent is there, but a lot of it never gets discovered because the proper structures are not in place. I hope to change that.   “With the proper funding the Foundation hopes to arm the people on the ground in South Africa with the necessary tools and confidence to work their way out of poverty, and create a better life for themselves and their family.”   Mokoena adds that local government participation is crucial, as, will be the support of corporates.   “What excites me most about this project is that it is a chance to make a real difference. I would love nothing more to see one of the kids who comes through our programmes go on to represent Bafana Bafana at the 2018 or 2022 Fifa World Cups.”