Nasiphi Khafu, one of the rising stars of PPI-SA, leading a life skills session.
A quick update on the bio of the young woman whom we introduced you to during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, who might just one day be the Managing Director of PeacePlayers International – South Africa. Not making this up: I quote, “One day, I want Sbo Vilakazi’s job.” We believe it.
Nasiphi (center) with other PPI-SA staffers.
Nasiphi Khafu is one several staff members who grew up in the PPI-SA system. Her first time playing basketball was in our Leadership Development Program (LDP) and her passion and resolve cannot be beat. “At first, I just loved watching the game. I watched, still watch, every game I could. I had to get better.” Today, Nasiphi captains her college basketball team and recently earned a starting spot on her provincial team (the Eastern Cape). Her playing accolades just keep piling up.
The largest turnout of kids in Carringtom Primary history. 45 girls and 12 boys. Brought to you by Nasiphi.
Her steady climb to the Managing Director position seems almost inevitable to those of us around her. Once a PPI-SA player, she’s now a PPI-SA coach – one of the best, actually. Wherever Nasiphi coaches, kids pour in, and stick around even if teams are already over capacity. The school representatives who help us with our program constantly ask to work with her. Nasiphi just completed one semester as PPI-SA’s Area Coordinator for the Durban City Area, one of our largest with eight schools. As if that wasn’t enough, she also volunteered her time to help with our basketball committee and fundraising initiatives. Without Nasiphi, schools would not have been able to attend our 17th City-Wide Tournament.
Posing with two school representatives at a primary school basketball tournament.
No one doubts her climb to the top. Despite her late start in basketball, she’s already accomplished her first goal, which was making the provincial team. Her next goal is to make the South African senior team. She thanks PPI-SA and swears herself to the organization. “I love PPI-SA. The program has helped me grow and molded me into a leader.” No one doubts she will continue to flourish as she moves through the ranks in PPI-SA. One day, she will make the SA Senior team. And one day, you should expect to see her running the PPI-SA program. No doubt about it.
