Seeing the Bigger Picture: Lucky’s Story

SKILLZ Coaches are the heart of Grassroot Soccer’s mission.

Coaches serve as mentors who guide, support, and inspire the young people participating in our soccer-based adolescent health programs. With their critical importance to Grassroot Soccer’s impact, prioritizing Coach development is key – strengthening every Coach’s capacity to deliver high-quality programs, supporting their well-being and performance, and facilitating pathways for career and leadership progression.

As part of this work, Grassroot Soccer’s Coach Development team hosts internal webinars for current Coaches that connect them to alumni who have gone on to impactful work following their time with Grassroot Soccer.

Recently, one of those individuals featured was Lucky Ndlela: a 30-year-old former SKILLZ Coach from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, who now plays professional football for a Zimbabwe Premier League team and recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sports Science. Here are some highlights from Lucky’s conversation with Coaches about his experiences – and how Grassroot Soccer prepared him for his future.

What was your favorite part of being a SKILLZ Coach with Grassroot Soccer?

The working environment. It was a safe and fun space. The environment provided an opportunity to connect with fellow Coaches beyond our role. The SKILLZ methodology brought so much fun – not only to participants but also to us as Coaches. It brought a sense of community, belonging, and pride in being changemakers in our communities.

How did you feel being a part of Grassroot Soccer?

It made me realize I possess the same great qualities as other Coaches l looked up to. It made me realize I was important.

What was the most important thing you learned as a SKILLZ Coach?

The importance of leading by example and practicing the same life skills I was imparting to participants. We were taught that being a changemaker did not stop when we left Grassroot Soccer, but that it was a lifestyle that we had to live ourselves in our communities where we were making significant change. I understood that the information that we were teaching to participants also applied to me.

How did Grassroot Soccer support you – personally and professionally – when you were a SKILLZ Coach?

We had a lot of development sessions that empowered me to make informed choices, not only on my health but also on my professional and academic choices. Grassroot Soccer helped me to see the bigger picture on my education! I learned that advancing my education complemented my efforts on the pitch, and that investing in my education and professional skillset could be intertwined for the betterment of my future.

What has your journey been since your time as a SKILLZ Coach?

The journey has been amazing! I completed my Master of Sport Science with the National University of Science and Technology in 2024 and also have been playing professional football for a Premier League team in Zimbabwe. 

How did Grassroot Soccer help prepare you for this?

The information that helped to change the lives of my participants also helped me to make informed decisions about my health and my professional and academic growth. For example, the SKILLZ curriculum helped me understand that I have the power to “SAY NO!” to older sexual partners, drugs, and alcohol, which has helped keep my career on track. With the lessons I learned from Grassroot Soccer, I have been able to navigate the challenges of being a professional footballer and playing for a big team, which comes with a lot of media attention and scrutiny. 

What is one thing you learned from Grassroot Soccer that you still use in your day-to-day life today?

In my daily life, I know that I need to create a safe space for everyone around me. Listening more than I speak has helped me to be thoughtful in my day-to-day life approach. I also ensure that I celebrate and give powerful praise both to myself and people around me when they excel.

What are your goals for the future?

Getting into the managerial side of the sport. I recently had an injury that might mean I need to retire early from playing. Especially now, I’m grateful for the decisions I made to invest myself not only in professional football but also in my academics that can help me branch out to other careers.