Free State Academy Of Sport

African Warriors preparing for grueling season ahead.

Thanks Wetsi for helping the team with their preparation!

Connect & Listen | ThursdayThink
📰 "The Signals That Tell You an Athlete Feels Like They Don't Belong"

An athlete rarely announces that they feel invisible. It shows up gradually — in attendance, effort, where they stand in the group, and how much they say.

Today's article breaks down four signal categories worth watching for.

"An athlete rarely quits all at once. They quit a little, every week, until the last session is just the one where they finally stop showing up."

Full article on our WhatsApp channel 👇
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3nm1UKmCPRezEP1N1q

Connect & Listen | WednesdayWin
📰 "Three Ways to Make Sure No Athlete Goes Unnoticed"

Attention naturally drifts toward the easiest athletes to coach. Today's article gives you three deliberate ways to correct for it — without adding a minute to your session.

"The athletes easiest to overlook are rarely the ones causing problems. They're the ones quietly not causing any — until they stop showing up."

Full article on our WhatsApp channel 👇
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3nm1UKmCPRezEP1N1q

Connect & Listen | TuesdayTruth
📰 "The Boy Who Stayed Six Years Without Ever Being the Best"

He was never the star of the team. He didn't need to be. His coach made sure he was noticed anyway — and he's still playing, six years later.

"Talent gets athletes noticed. Belonging is what keeps them there."

Full article on our WhatsApp channel 👇
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3nm1UKmCPRezEP1N1q

Connect & Listen | MondayMindset
📰 "Great Clubs Aren't Built on Talent. They're Built on Belonging."

Good clubs have talented athletes. Great clubs make every athlete feel like they matter, regardless of ability. Final week of Connect and Listen starts here.

"Belonging isn't given to the most talented athlete in the room. It's given by the coach who decides no one in the group goes unnoticed."

Full article on our WhatsApp channel 👇
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3nm1UKmCPRezEP1N1q

Today we meet Lerato Malefane.
Lerato is a Boxer from Lejweleputswa District.

My name is Lerato Malefane and I am a professional boxer from Meloding in the Free State Province.

I began boxing in 2021 and turned professional in 2025.

Since then, I have competed in four fights, having one win, one draw, and two losses.

I'm driven by discipline, and a passion for the sport. I want to see myself in South African ratings, then become a world champion and build myself a respected name in professional boxing.

I want to represent my Province well and inspire others through my achievements.

I believe every fight that I get is an opportunity to learn, improve, and get closer to my dreams.

Good luck with your upcoming fight on the 5th of September. We are rooting for you 🤛🏿💪🏿

🔥 Connect & Listen | FridayFuel 🔥
📰 "People Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel"

Some coaches worry that relationship-building with families takes time away from real coaching. The truth runs the other way — families stay because they trust the person running the programme, not just because of the drills.

Today's article also closes out Week 3 of Connect and Listen — reaching everyone, the mother at the gate, three ways to build trust, and the signals that tell you where things stand.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou

Full article on our WhatsApp channel 👇
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3nm1UKmCPRezEP1N1q