Many have lost their self-esteem and thrown away their future in the process. But not Gavin Mkandla!
Born to a very poor family in the remote Mahole area of Filabusi, Matabeleland South, Mkandla waded through a number of challenges to become what he is today – a qualified lawyer and a FIFA-registered players’ agent.
Despite having scaled these heights, he still has bitter feelings about his less-privileged childhood. But he says his experiences gave him the impetus to achieve and fight the many prejudices that came his way.
“If I were to describe in a word what it was like growing up in a poor family, it would be very stressful,” he recently told The Zimbabwean.
“I remember the stress of social exclusion – of being excluded from extracurricular activities with my peers and of not having access to the material things they had.”
However, instead of concentrating on the negatives, which would have restricted him to a life of mourning and scorning, he stepped on each challenge to build a brighter future.
“Born into extreme poverty, I went to extremes to live the better life I have now and my story is both an inspiration and a reminder of the privileges most people take for granted.”
Knowing that each day in his life was a struggle for survival, with very little chance to re-gather what would have been spilt and no opportunity to make amends, he made sure that he always did things right at the first attempt.
After primary education in Filabusi and Bulawayo, he went to Hamilton High School before enrolling for the University of East London in the UK, where he passed an LLB Degree with a 2.1, having specialised in International Property law. Mkandla is now doing Sports Psychology, while also preparing to go to the bar.
He drew much inspiration from his hardworking grandmother, Edith Mafu, whom he always wanted to please with his performance.
“My underprivileged background has shaped me, but I have tried not to let it define me as a person. I have always worked hard not to let my background limit me,” he continued.
Mkandla recently wrote his own piece of history when he became one of the few Zimbabweans to pass the FIFA Players’ Agent examination in the UK, where he is based.
His main aim now is to make sure that Zimbabwean and African players get proper representation, which will see them reach the best heights they can in their careers. He believes many are good enough, but end up in the dumps due to a lack of proper representation.
Earlier this year, Mkandla formed what is now a fast-growing sports management company, Ethicalsports.
“Many of my days now are spent working with our great sports people, representing elite athletes in football and tennis,” he said.
“It is exciting to be part of something that is becoming so rapidly successful. It has been quite a journey to get to where I am, where I feel comfortable and glad to contribute to the sports industry. I have also been very fortunate in my career, having the opportunity to study law at UEL for four years and passing the FIFA and FA agents exam.”
Among his many aims, Mkandla wants to try and get sports stars to inspire and invest in talent in Africa, in order to further improve the livelihood of their continent.
His activities have taken him to a number of European and African countries, where he has signed up a top tennis and soccer stars. He plans to venture into rugby and cricket.
His advice to those still trying to find their way in life: “Stick to your guns and keep believing, it will all come through in the end and please do not let people tell you that you cannot do it.”
Post published in: News