As a small boy, he played soccer with his friends. They played barefoot with no proper grounds or any other soccer amenities.

He knows of the hardships that are faced by youths in rural areas. When he started working, he did not forget his roots and people who nurtured him. He is today ploughing back into the community that brought him up.

Well-known medical doctor Dr Ndinannyi Nangammbi, who owns a thriving medical practice in Thohoyandou, has on countless occasions invested in the development of his community. He is presently encouraging learners at the local Thase Secondary School, by offering trophies for the best learners and a cash prize of R3 000 to the best matric student at the end of the year.

At the weekend, Nangammbi, who now resides in Thohoyandou, went back to the place of his birth and donated two soccer kits worth thousands of rands. He handed over a kit each to Muraga village, his birth place and the nearby Gondeni village.

The two village teams Omega Line FC of Muraga and Sterkstroom Real Chiefs of Muraga will battle it out in a one-day tournament during the Muraga Day celebration at the weekend. The winners will also pocket cash, courtesy of Nangammbi.

Speaking during the presentation, Nangammbi said he was touched during a visit to his birthplace to find that the local club was still using the same old tattered uniforms bought a long time ago. “As someone who was born in this area, I know the hardships faced by the youth here. Many of their parents are not working and they depend on grants for their livelihood. A soccer kit is a luxury that they cannot afford,” he said. He said as businessman he was blessed that he could afford most of the things he always wanted in life.

“God blesses us in order to bless others, and the first place we should look at is the people who are very close to us and then we can spread countrywide. I felt I would be making a meaningful contribution to my brothers whom I have left in the village. I wanted to contribute to development in the area,” he said.

He added that he would continue supporting sport as it is the best tool to keep the youth off the streets. “Many youths venture into the streets out of boredom. Sporting facilities will keep them occupied, and when they go home, they are tired, so that they will not think of committing crime or other bad activities. Who knows, one of these boys might end up being one of the future stars that our country will be proud of,” he said.