Andile Mcobothi
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
24
Project Name/Description:
Founder – Future Goals Academy
Andile Mcobothi is an award-winning netball coach who founded Future Goals Academy and sits on the board of the NSA Investment Group. Mcobothi started her netball academy owing to her love for the sport. The academy aims to improve the skills and talents of young netball players. Mcobothi also runs a non-profit organisation called the Future Goals Foundation, which ensures the holistic development of young netball athletes, offering coaching, mentorship, academic support and vocational training. Through both the academy and foundation, Mcobothi says she wants to create something she experienced when she was young: a supportive community and mentors like the one she had during her high school years who played such a significant role in her life that she wants every young black woman to have that kind of support. “My reflection about the state of our sport, arts and culture as South Africa marks 30 years of freedom is that we are currently progressing in improving access to sport and fostering inclusion, which is transforming our nation. While there is still much more to be accomplished, we are on the right track,” asserts Mcobothi, who holds a BSc in genetics and development biology. So far, Mcobothi has empowered eight girls, facilitating their admission to district netball teams and NSA-accredited umpiring courses. This led to her being celebrated at the Gauteng Women in Sport Awards. She was also ranked 3rd at the Nedbank YouthX Entertainment Awards.
