Beyond the Sidelines : 5 Internship Tales from the Heart of Mamelodi Sundowns

BEYOND

the Sidelines

5 Internship Tales

from the HEART of

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

The first five Interns from the Live Limitless campaign in 2022

Author: Kamokgelo Malinga

Images: Sundowns Media

Mamelodi Sundowns launched the Live Limitless Youth Internship Program in partnership with Student Village in 2022. The program was aimed at proving the youth with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and soft skills.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of a professional club is a dream come true for countless sports enthusiasts and aspiring professionals. The smell of fresh cut grass, the echoes of supporters cheering, and the aura of passion surrounding every inch of the stadium is an indescribable feeling.

From the first day of stepping into the vibrant training grounds to witnessing the inner workings of the front office, these interns gained an unparalleled insight into the intricacies that drive the success of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. Beyond the glamour of game nights and triumphs on the pitch, they discovered the unyielding dedication, teamwork and camaraderie that forms the backbone of the club’s ethos.

THORISO

MODISHA

Internship position: TikTok Content Creator
From My Kitchen to the Pitchside

“I never imagined that my life would take the turn that it took when I joined the Mamelodi Sundowns Live Limitless Internship. Being a full-time content creator wasn’t something that I had envisioned, especially for one of the biggest brands in Africa.”

“I have had the privilege of working with the ladies team and the men’s team which has given me the opportunity to get to know both sides. Having my work showcased by the most successful club in the Premier Soccer League has been unreal and fulfilling because I’m able to keep the yellow nation entertained through my craft.”

“Another highlight I will forever cherish is the relationships I have built from this internship with the four other interns. We learnt that we need each other regardless of us working in different departments. We’ve picked up that we need to co-exist, and we’re a team that has the same goal; contributing to the success of the club. Having nurtured relationships with strangers that turned into friends is something that I will treasure for a lifetime.”

POGISO

MOSOTHOANE

Internship position: Photographer
A Clear Picture of Life on the Pitch

”My journey with Mamelodi Sundowns was unbelievable. The team has helped me reach places I never thought I would get to and opened doors that seemed to be way out of reach. Working for a big brand like Sundowns has been amazing and has fuelled me with a lot more passion for photography and growing as a creative.”

“The experience I got here changed how I see and do things. The opportunity has made me believe that my dreams are valid. Working with talented people every single day and observing how hard they work for what they have achieved has pushed me into giving my best when on the pitch, capturing memories for the club and the yellow nation.”

“One of my biggest highlights during my time at the club was travelling to Morocco with the Ladies’ team for the CAF Women’s Champions League. I got to experience my first international trip and I will be forever grateful to Sundowns for the opportunity of the many first-time experiences I’ve had.”

DIMPHO

MAKUBUNG

Internship position: Production Video Editor
Football Through the Eyes of a Creative

“My internship with Mamelodi Sundowns was an extremely rewarding experience. During this period, I discovered that Sundowns is an organization that promotes humility, respect, and the community. I was placed in the production department and was paired with a phenomenal mentor and manager who guided me through this educational experience. They were always keen to share their knowledge of video production and pushed me to become the best version of myself. I worked with a team that promoted creativity, curiosity, and individuality in my craft and self.”

“This internship was an important step in my development of becoming a more skilled video editor because it allowed me to learn about the culture and dynamics of football, as well as a new approach to enhancing my creativity in the industry.”

“My biggest highlight was seeing how the club prioritizes giving back to the community and making a difference in young people’s lives through the Mamelodi Sundowns community initiatives. I got to be a part of the events where the club impacted and uplifted their surrounding communities and other provinces. These experiences have made a difference in my life and the club also invested in my skills and took me to an editing course for Special effects.”

SIJABULILE

NDLOVU

Internship position: Marketing Activation
A Masandawana Experience

“As a student majoring in marketing, I was overjoyed when I got the call that I had been selected as one of the recipients of the internship program. My main goal was to learn as much as I could and gain work experience that would equip me to excel in the corporate world.”

“The biggest highlight of my internship journey was attending one of the football fraternity’s greatest events, the world Football Summit. I was honoured to be assigned to the duty of representing the Mamelodi Sundowns brand at the summit. I got the opportunity to interact with various people from our brand’s multifarious nature. One of the best moments of the summit was the conversation I had with Kwa Zulu Natal’s first woman Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube.”

“After spending a few months with the Masandawana family at Chloorkop, I can proudly say that I have not only achieved my goal of learning as much as I can but have also made a multitude of beautiful memories that I will cherish forever. Notably, my self-confidence has improved throughout this journey. This internship has taught me to believe in myself and my capabilities.”

KAMOKGELO

MALINGA

Internship position: Journalist / Writer
Eleven Months Behind the Keyboard with Champions

”My internship experience with Mamelodi Sundowns has been extremely rewarding. I got to spend eleven (11) months under the guidance of people who wanted to share their knowledge of the football industry and help me become the best version of myself which has been a valuable experience.”

“I have gained a great amount of experience and knowledge of what being a Journalist and a Public Relations professional is like in the real world. I was able to work side by side with my mentor in my discipline and be involved in the Communications and Public Relations side as it goes back and forth from generating media releases, writing for the website, LinkedIn, the digital magazine building and updating media lists. I got to plan and organize press conferences and helped to prepare Coach Rulani for Interviews.”

“Attending the World Football Summit in Durban with the Chairman is one of my highlights., as well as meeting the most influential people in the football industry. During the summit, I got to represent the club and promote the Ladies team film. Listening to Lola Ogubante (Head of Women’s Football at Burnley FC), Romaney Pinnock (Founder of FC Badgers and Dr. Mariam Mell’Osiime Mpaata discussing defeating stereotypes in women’s football made me realise that there will always be a place in football as a woman.”

Open Letter on behalf of all the interns..

As the final whistle blows on this unforgettable internship experience at the home of the Champions, the journey we have undertaken has left an everlasting impact on our lives. Beyond the thrilling matchday’s and the glitz of the stadium, we discovered a football club is a place of relentless dedication, unwavering commitment, and a strong sense of community.

With gratitude in our hearts and a renewed sense of purpose, we leave the club armed with the knowledge of having been a part of something greater than ourselves. Our experiences have proven that in the world of football, every individual plays a crucial role in creating the magic that captivates millions.

As we reflect on our experiences, we appreciate the opportunity to become a part of a larger family united by our shared love for the game. We carry with us not just cherished memories, but also valuable skills and insights that will shape our future endeavours. As the first Gen of the Live Limitless we’re proud to say that we’ve learnt that success is not only measured by trophies but by the dedication and passion that fuel the club’s spirit of winning.

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