Thebe Sekoto Hopes to do More in 2024

North West Sports Confederation President, Thebe Sekoto, has played a vital role in the growth of North West athletes to ensure that they receive the recognition they deserve and continues to ensure that school sport is at the forefront.

In addition to being the NW Sports Confederation President, Sekoto is a teacher by profession who is also a Provincial School Sport Coordinator and convenes the Provincial Sports Awards panel and nominations.

He likes to play football, rugby, and cricket with his sons in his free time.

We talk to Thebe Sekoto about how it all began for him.

Mr Sekoto, thank you for your time. Please tell us about yourself and where you are from?

Mr Thebe Sekoto is a father of four Boys and is married to Gadifele Dingalo (Sekoto). I am born and live in the dusty township of Itsoseng.

When and where did your love for sports begin?

My love for sports particularly football was influenced by the then Bophuthatswana Professional Soccer League (Bopsol) and the defunct Itsoseng Giant Aces. At the age of 11 years I did own a football club and ate, breathed and slept football beside going to school. I was once a good football player, referee and SAFA administrator and subsequently I was elected the Provincial Secretary of the NW Sports Confederation in 2012 and am the current President. 

Besides being the North West School Sports Coordinator, what else are you doing?

I am a teacher by profession, was a school principal for 8 years at Coligny and currently I am the Provincial School Sport Coordinator at the North West Department.

What has been some of the challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?

The challenge that I face is striking a balance between family time and my work, as I travel a lot and at times miss spending quality time with my family. I do dedicate every moment I have to bond with my boys and I see a lot of improvement and satisfaction from my elders and family lately.

What has been some of your career highlights?

I coordinate and convene the Provincial Sports Awards panel and nominations. I started with the process from 2015 to date, and that gives me a sense of gratitude and fulfillment to see our sports people in the North West being honoured for their scintillating performances. I am busy with the Provincial School Sports Awards, which will be held next year in March by MEC Viola Motsumi and that will also be a highlight of my career.

What do you think of the state of sports in the province, and are athletes getting the recognition they deserve within the province?

The state of sports in the North West as compared to other provinces is still lacking, particularly coordination, which is not at the level it’s supposed to be. We lose most athletes to Gauteng because of this lack of synergy and cohesion. Yes, I strongly believe we are among the leading provinces in recognition of our own athletes who are doing very well in sports e.g., Tete Dijana and Steven Mokoka.

What can the sports enthusiasts of this province do to advance different sporting codes?

We need to channel our meagre resources in the North West Province to the rightful beneficiaries and support different codes NOT only Football and Netball. 

As we are approaching the end of 2023, what have you enjoyed about this year?

The Netball World Cup in Cape Town. I personally enjoyed every moment I spent with all the players, Australians, Jamaica (Reggae Girls) and Proteas. It was a dream to be at the same hotel with all the big guns on a daily basis. Thanks to Netball South Africa and its President, Cecilia Molokwane. 

What is it that people don’t know about you?

I am a churchgoer and committed to my church, URCSA and serve as a Church Council Member and Chairperson of the Finance Committee (Fincom). I’m addicted to Gospel Music (Clap and Tap) 🤦🏾‍♂️.

What is it that you do for fun?

I spend time playing cricket, small sided football and rugby with my sons.

What can we expect in the year 2024 from the North West Sports Confederation?

We need to do more fundraising for our members to benefit from our funding as federations.

Thank you and Dikgomo Basotho. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Photo: Supplied