The Dainfern community have united to support their beloved soccer coach, who sadly suffered from a post-Covid stroke; they are helping with his recovery.
Dainfern, South Africa (05 July 2021) – A coach’s job is to uplift, inspire and encourage, but what happens when the coach is down? The community step into uplift, inspire and encourage!
The Dainfern community are uniting to support Coach Thuso Lawrence Mogotsi, who suffered a post-Covid stroke.
Coach Lawrence’s Story
‘Lawrence was one of the first recipients of a bursary provided by the Lesedi Trust. Both benefactor Dennis Tucker, and Head of Sport of Dainfern College Prep at the time, Murray Botha, selecting three students from Diepsloot who had shown both a sporting aptitude and a growth mindset, making them ideal candidates for the opportunity that was presented to them.
During his high school years at Dainfern College, Lawrence excelled on the sports field and adjusted very well academically, showing diligence beyond his years. He was liked by both teachers and peers largely because of his infectious smile and his kind demeanour.
After completing his Matric year, Lawrence took the scholarship that the foundation provided him and started his studies toward a teaching degree while working at Dainfern College. Soon after, in 2014, Lawrence was identified as an ideal candidate for a coaching position at Supersport United Soccer Schools (SSUSS) Fourways. Despite Lawrence showing his clear potential in his previous fields, it was on the football pitch, coaching young kids, where he started to blossom. In 2016, he was blessed with the light of his life, his daughter Khumo, who is often playing side-kick hand in hand with her dad on the side of the field.
Lawrence’s kind demeanour, determination to succeed and natural feel for his role with kids, all lead to an incredible rise in the coaching ranks during a very short time frame. His clear potential lead to him being fast-tracked and promoted to Head Coach at SSUSS Fourways, an Academy Coach for Supersport United FC and awarded a lead management role in running the multifaceted business that is SSUSS Fourways and Rustic Indoor Soccer.
On a daily basis, Lawrence interacts, co-ordinates and manages multiple fields in the football space and coaches well over 250 children a week at multiple venues across Johannesburg. His importance in his community, and the vital role that he plays in our youth, cannot be understated, and quite frankly, is irreplaceable.
On Monday, the 21st of June, 2021, Lawrence suffered a COVID-19 induced stroke. He is currently stable and in good care, but his initial prognosis indicates a long, hard journey ahead to what we all hope will be a successful recovery. It is no secret that such a recovery comes with a huge support team and a massive financial burden.
Our plea is to gather as much support as we can in an effort to afford this remarkable man every opportunity to start his recovery and continue his incredible journey of fulfilling his undeniable potential.’
Community Support
When the community received word of Lawrence’s condition, they quickly rallied to help cover his medical expenses and to make sure he gets the best treatment for his recovery.
They opened a Trust in his name, which will manage all the funds raised and ensure he gets the very best medical care possible. Recovery from a stroke can take time, so they are wanting to make sure he is provided for during that time.
“Coach Thuso Lawrence Mogotsi is a much-loved youth soccer coach in our community – he is also a proud alumnus of Dainfern College, having matriculated as a member of the Class of 2011. Many of our families will remember him, many of our students have been coached by him – his energy, drive and passion for sport and youth development, his incredible work ethic and that big infectious smile have had a huge impact on our College community.
This talented and popular coach now needs our support. After suffering a COVID-19 induced stroke on Monday, Coach Lawrence (28) is in a stable condition in hospital, but the road to what we pray will be full recovery will be an incredible financial burden for him and his young family.” – Dainfern College
How to Help:
Friends, family and colleagues have set up a trust fund to support his recovery – please consider a small donation and help make a big difference for Coach Lawrence.
Banking details are as follows:
Rosen Attorneys Trust Account
FNB – Account no 62632020905
Reference: [Lawrence + Your Name]
Audited by Clareo (PTY) Limited
Backabuddy link that has recently been set up: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/thuso-mogotsi
To keep following this story, check out the dedicated Facebook page “Lifting Lawrence” here.
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