Mamelodi Sundowns prepared to celebrate National Youth Day and Youth Month by creating an internship program that will start in the new football season.
As the country celebrates the Soweto student uprisings that occurred on 16 June, 1976 against the education system, the new generation is faced with their own struggles of unemployment. On Wednesday, 15 June, The Brazilians invited supporters of the club, journalists and members of the media, influencers, staff, legends and ambassadors to launch their “Live Limitless Internship Program” that is aimed at upskilling young people for the workplace and to give them the work experience that they need to enter the job market.
“How I wish I was part of the youth, I would’ve also participated if I had had this kind of an opportunity growing up in my time and I would’ve cherished it. It’s really good to see Mamelodi Sundowns giving opportunities to the youth, as you can see the unemployment rate in the country is really high and depressing. We really encourage people to participate because this is an opportunity that I wish I had when I was younger. It gives us the opportunity to engage the youth and try to see ways in which we can eradicate the unemployment issues in the country.” Said club ambassador and legend Tiyani Mabunda at the launch.
He added: “We are looking forward to having this program make an impact, it shouldn’t just be a short term thing, but to be sustainable and make an impact in the long run. If you believe that you have the qualities and capabilities to be a part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club organization apply and make sure that you give us your best, something great will take place.”
Bafana Ba Style have put on the table five internship positions in various departments at the club for five months with an option to extend or renew the offer. The former maestro shared his inspiration in celebration of youth month and reflected on what it takes to achieve legendary status.
“Being in this month it’s always memorable and treasurable for all youth regardless of their tradition or background. This is the right opportunity for the youth to express themselves, keep shining, keep making it big and do not limit yourself because the sky’s the limit. Make sure that every idea and every opportunity that you want to have and achieve, make sure to give it your utmost best, make sure that tomorrow you’re able to celebrate yet another opportunity brought by the youth.”
Mabunda, who won eight trophies with Masandawana, including five league titles, the CAF Champions League and Super Cup, encouraged the youngsters in the football industry to set higher standards and rise above the previous generation of soccer stars in South Africa. He said, “We have unbelievable young stars that we see currently growing and it’s really encouraging to see the new generation of super stars.”
“It’s wonderful to see them, we are looking forward to seeing them raise the bar from where we have left off and we really believe that the foundation that has been laid will make it easier for them to express themselves and also to take care of themselves, not only to focus on playing but to also make sure that they have human qualities, they are able to be an influence, to be a role model, to create an impact and always give their utmost best and to always respect the game because the game will respect you.”
Register your interest for the #SundownsInternship HERE!
