How football, partnerships and purpose are changing lives in Soweto
In Soweto, football and purpose collide as Diski Nine9 empowers young leaders through global partnerships and real community impact.
Sport has always had the power to shape futures – especially in communities where opportunity is limited but talent and potential are everywhere. And in Soweto, one organisation has been proving this for nearly a decade.
Founded by Raymond Ledwaba, Diski Nine9 uses football as a tool for social change engaging, educating and empowering young people across Johannesburg. What began as a small community tournament has grown into a movement rooted in one belief: give young people the right mentors, skills and support, and they can build better lives for themselves and their communities.
This month, that mission reached a new milestone.
A Diski Nine9 Partnership with Global Impact
Diski Nine9 has partnered with Manchester City Football Club, Midea Africa, and Tackle Africa to bring world-class Young Leader Training to Johannesburg – an initiative designed to inspire and equip local youth with skills that go far beyond the pitch.
Led by expert coaches from City in the Community (CITC), the programme created a safe, inclusive space for young leaders from Soweto to develop confidence, teamwork, communication and leadership.
Football became the foundation – but the impact stretched into real-life challenges faced by young people every day. Through hands-on sessions, coaches and partners used the game to address critical social issues, including HIV awareness and sexual and reproductive health education.
Organisations like Tackle Africa have already trained hundreds of community coaches across the continent, reaching more than 12 000 young people with life-changing health information delivered through football.
The Ripple Effect in Local Communities
What stood out most from the training wasn’t just the football, it was the ripple effect. Young leaders are now returning to their communities with practical tools, personal growth, and the ability to support and inspire others. As one participant said:
“Since this program started I’ve seen a lot of children becoming what they wanted to be – better players and better people around the community.”
This activation is just the beginning. Midea has committed to ongoing support, including product donations and youth-focused programmes across African cities from Rabat to Nairobi.
Where Passion Meets Purpose
For Raymond and his team at Diski Nine9, this partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when global brands, local NGOs and community leaders come together with one shared belief: sport can change everything. And in Soweto, it already is.