One look at these photos is enough to understand why South Africa is rallying behind 10-year-old soccer player Lehlohonolo Matiwane.
Vaal, South Africa (20 July 2026) – On a dusty field in Sharpeville, a 10-year-old on crutches is running circles around boys with two good legs, and he’s got the biggest smile on his face.
That’s Lehlohonolo Matiwane. Four years ago, when he was just six, a car accident cost him his left leg. It didn’t cost him his love of the game. His mom, Nomonde, says he pours everything he has into the sports he loves. On the field, he plays with a rare confidence that makes you forget he’s playing differently to everyone else around him.
Lehlohonolo is a primary school learner who loves to spend every free minute he has on the soccer field and in the swimming pool.
His talent recently reached a much bigger audience when he turned heads at the Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation soccer tournament at James Ground. The Citizen picked up his story. But it was a local photographer, Steals by SK, who captured a moment that moved thousands.
In SK’s photographs, Lehlohonolo is on his crutches, shining confidently alongside his able-bodied teammates at the tournament. Shared on social media, those images struck a chord. South Africans were moved by what they saw.
“I loved watching this boy play with his friends and just being happy,” the photographer wrote. “I must say that I admire this boy’s mentality, and also his friends’ patience in not treating him differently.”
Now, Play It Forward is hoping that online admiration can become real support.
The local charity collects gently used sporting gear and gets it into the hands of the kids and communities who need it most. They’ve stepped in to rally support for Lehlohonolo, and they believe that with the right backing, this young man will go far.
Right now, Play It Forward is putting together a Football Dream Pack for him, including soccer boots, a kit, a ball, and a backpack. A local sports gear company has already gifted him a pair of boots, and a Play It Forward supporter pulled together a pack of goodies just for him. Every donation received will go toward a hamper to be delivered to Lehlohonolo in Sharpeville in the coming weeks.
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But there’s an even bigger vision. What Play It Forward – and our team here at Good Things Guy – really want is bigger.
Lehlohonolo has soccer heroes. His biggest dream is to shake the hands of Bafana Bafana’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi and former SA international Relebohile Mofokeng. Meeting his favourite club, the Orlando Pirates, is right up on his list of wishes, too.
Then, there’s the dream that could change everything. With access to a prosthetic leg suited to an active young footballer, even more doors could open for Lehlohonolo. His determination is already there. His talent is clear. The right support could help him discover just how far those gifts can take him.
This is where our incredible readers – and South Africans – come in. If you’re able to help, or you know someone who is – a sponsor, a sports brand, a foundation, or one of the heroes themselves – please reach out to Play It Forward Jozi.
Let’s not let this be the story of a boy who almost made it. Let’s make it the story of how South Africa showed up in the most incredible way, for a boy who beat hardship and became a soccer star.
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