Football coach Clifford Esel’s fight to save Roodepan’s youth

In the heart of Roodepan, where economic hardship and social challenges loom large, there is a man who has become a beacon of hope for young soccer enthusiasts.

A few weeks ago, the DFA did a short piece on Shooting Stars FC, and their coach Clifford Esel. The story hinted at the fact that Esel’s name resonates with the community’s aspiring athletes, after he transformed not only his own life but also the lives of countless youth who call him their mentor, coach, and father figure.

Esel, one of Kimberley’s sons has endured a life that has been marked by hardship, choices that led him astray, and, ultimately, a powerful redemption that is inspiring the next generation to dream beyond their circumstances.

In a candid interview with the DFA, Esel shared the deeply personal journey that shaped him into the man he is today.

Raised in a single-parent household, Esel grew up in Kimberley, attending Pescodia Primary and Pescodia High Schools. But his education was abruptly cut short due to a series of life-altering choices. “I joined gangs during my high school years,” Esel confessed.

The Travelling Staporas

“At that point in my life, I thought forming my own gang would give me a sense of security. My nickname was ‘Stapora,’ so I created a gang called the Travelling Staporas. Between 1997 and 1999, we ruled Roodepan, robbing people, fighting other gangs for territory – it was complete lawlessness.”

This turbulent time, marked by violence and fear, saw Esel being stabbed multiple times, injuries that had become a routine part of life on the streets. “You lived with the risk every day. You could be gone in the blink of an eye,” he recalled.

Despite the thrill and the camaraderie that came with gang life, there was a pivotal moment that shook Esel to his core. “One of my best friends was stabbed in the neck. We were together that day, just hanging out. He left, and a short while later, I found him lying there, bleeding out. I watched him die right in front of me,” Esel recounted. The horror and helplessness of that moment haunted him, forcing him to confront the reality of his choices.

Accused of murder

Not long after this incident, Esel found himself falsely accused of murder – a charge that could have had him confined to a prison cell for the rest of his life. “I was arrested for a murder I didn’t commit. I was in and out of court for years. Eventually, I was found not guilty, but the experience changed me. It was a clear sign: I needed to make changes,” he said.

After his ordeal, Esel noticed troubling patterns in his own community. “I saw kids in Roodepan going down the same path I did. I saw myself in them, and I knew they needed guidance. If they didn’t get it, they’d end up like me,” he explained.

The beauty of the game

Esel had always loved soccer, especially during his school days, and he saw the game as the perfect outlet to channel his energy and make a difference. His cousin was coaching a team at the time, and Esel was inspired to follow suit.

In 1999, he founded his own team, Kappa United, a club that quickly became well-known in Kimberley’s soccer circles.

Initially, the team consisted of 15 players, mostly Esel’s relatives, but word soon spread. Youngsters from around the area flocked to join, eager for an escape from the streets and a chance to be part of something positive.

As the club grew, Esel realised that he had to offer more than just soccer training. “If you teach a child life skills, it changes his ways and helps him become a better person,” Esel said. “I realised I had to be a father figure for them, the role model I never had.”

For Esel, coaching was no easy task. Many of the youth he worked with faced hardships at home, and peer pressure often tempted them back to negative influences. Yet Esel was determined to give them something to believe in. “These kids are stronger than they know, but someone has to keep pushing them, reminding them of their worth,” he said.

Persistence pays off

Over time, Esel’s efforts paid off, and Kappa United grew not only in numbers but in purpose. To reflect his message of resilience and ambition, he renamed the club Shooting Stars Football Club. “My motto for these kids is, ‘Shoot for the stars and aim for the moon.’ I want them to know they can achieve more than they think,” he shared.

Despite his determination and dedication, Esel faces significant challenges. His team lacks basic resources: soccer kits, boots, transport to games, and even equipment for practice. The children play on sand pitches, often with worn-out shoes, yet their passion for the game remains unshaken.

“They’ve never even seen a proper grass pitch. They play because they love the game, even though they’re held back by their circumstances,” he said.

Esel told the DFA that his hope is that private companies or government bodies might step in to support the team. “Any contribution could make a massive difference. These kids have potential, but they need someone to believe in them, to see them for who they are,” he appealed.

Significant growth

Today, Shooting Stars has 84 players, each one hoping for a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and hardship. Esel dreams of seeing his players scouted, recognised, and given opportunities to pursue their soccer dreams. “When one of these kids makes it, it’s a win for all of us,” he said.

For Esel, coaching has become more than just a way to keep the youth off the streets – it’s a mission to save lives, to give these children a glimpse of the future they could have. “I was once like them, lost and searching for meaning. Now, if I fail, I fail them. I have to believe in them and give them the tools to make better choices,” he said.

Beyond the pitch, Esel’s impact extends into the lives of his players, as he offers guidance on dealing with personal challenges, navigating peer pressure, and setting positive goals. His story serves as a reminder that people can change and that even the hardest paths can lead to redemption and transformation.

One person can make a difference

Clifford Esel’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and a deep love for his community.

In a place where opportunities are scarce and temptations are plentiful, he stands as proof that one person can make a difference. He has dedicated his life to helping Roodepan’s youth find a sense of purpose through soccer, offering them hope where there was once only despair.

As his players continue to take to the field, filled with dreams of brighter futures, Esel remains by their side, a steadfast coach and a father figure they can rely on. His message to them – and to his community, society and the world – is simple but powerful: “I may not have had the easiest path, but I am here now to show them there is another way.”

Esel’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of second chances. It’s a story of how a life redirected can become a force for good, shaping future generations and changing lives one choice, one practice and one match at a time.