ON THE BALL: Sathasivan “Babes” Govender doing what he loves best, developing youngsters sporting interests.
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
It can only be passion and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others that have sustained Sathasivan “Babes” Govender's longevity as a coach for the past 45 years.
While football coaching is 71-year-old Govender's foremost field of expertise, Govender is accredited and versatile enough to help athletes develop in various codes of sport.
Among his list of qualifications are the South African Football Association (Safa) Level 2 and SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee coaching recognition badges that he has attained.
Apart from coaching various amateur football teams over the years, his biggest passion is putting together coaching development programmes for youth that aid their holistic development.
His latest venture culminated on Saturday at the Westpark School in Hillary, where a few hundred children from 57 schools got the opportunity to express themselves in football, netball, and athletics events in the One Goal, One Education Sports Festival. The Durban Africa Sports Club (DASC), which has Govender as their head coach, staged the initiative. It was funded by their long-standing sponsors, Azelis and the George Ramalu Trust.
DASC used the funding for coaching sessions that happened every Saturday morning since the beginning of the year, for school children where the primal focus was working on their “agility, balance, and coordination (ABC),” with Govender and a team of certified coaches overseeing proceedings.
Children who attended the ABC programme, plus youngsters from various youth centres and schools from Chatsworth and surrounding areas, were the participants in Saturday’s event. Govender said they have already made strides to include children from special needs schools for the 2026 event.
Coach Sathasivan “Babes” Govender has been inspiring athletes for 45 years.
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Boston Moonsamy, CEO of Azelis, commended DASC and Govender for the “sterling work ethic and contribution towards uplifting communities.” Moonsamy confirmed that his company, together with the George Ramalu Trust, will continue backing the DASC initiative.
Over the years, Govender has been at the forefront of various sports development programmes that have incorporated the participation of thousands of youngsters.
The Milo Junior Soccer Development League (JSDL), which ran for four years through backing from beverage manufacturer Nestlé, ended in 2000, was one of the most outstanding efforts.
Each Saturday, around a thousand children, spread over 13 venues in Chatsworth and surrounding areas, learnt basic football skills, and aspiring coaches also got the opportunity to sharpen their abilities during specialised sessions.
The JSDL gave birth to the DASC, which caters for youth in football, netball, and athletics presently. DASC also has representation in the Chatsworth Netball Union, and their senior team plays in the Regional league.
To ensure children lead a balanced life, which includes playing sport, is what continues to fuel Govender’s desire to run coaching programmes. “I am very passionate about coaching and guiding youngsters, and that is satisfying for me.
"Therefore, I've been doing it on a voluntary basis for many years. I believe that I am able to make a difference and there is always the hope that some talented individuals will realise their potential and reach the highest levels in sport.”
Govender was born and raised in Sydenham, and St Theresa and Burnwood were the schools he attended before completing his matric at Meadowlands Secondary in Chatsworth.
The old Group Areas Act was the reason Govender and his family relocated to Chatsworth in 1972. By then, Govender was already a keen football player who eventually joined Kingston FC, a prolific amateur team that won many accolades over the years.
He was a part of the team that won the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Division 3, 2, and 1 leagues in their heyday, which included two Clover Cup final losses.
That’s when Govender’s coaching prowess took root. Initially as Kingston’s player/coach, he then remained as their coach until the team folded in the 1990s.
Govender coached various Chatsworth-based teams thereafter, before teaming up with Prem Vayipuri and Mandla Ncikazi as the coaches leading the UKZN team that played in the Vodacom League during the 2000s.
In his earlier years, opportunities for formal coaching badges were scant, but his breakthrough came in 2000 when Safa availed opportunities for coaches. Govender secured his Safa Level 1 badge in 2001 and followed that up with Level 2 in 2003, and achieved the Sascoc recognition in 2006.
He is grateful for the influence former professional footballer Lall Sewnarain had in mentoring him as a coach.
Keeping up with the latest developments in coaching has been a core mission for Govender, especially when the internet was nonexistent. “I spend much time doing research. During the COVID-19 days, I wrote two books on coaching, covering the ‘A to Z’ of the craft.
"The drafts have been certified, and I plan to have them published.”
Given all that he has achieved in sport, Govender said his greatest desire is to put up a sports development centre in Chatsworth that can be used to grow the ability of youngsters.
DAILY NEWS - Mervyn Naidoo
Durban Africa Sports Club. © All rights Reserved. 2025 by TGIT AND MEDIA
