Coach Stories
Vignettes, anecdotes and quotes on Coach experience.
Coach 6: Story
The coach reflected on how the program has helped him navigate life as an HIV-positive individual, describing his journey as a full-circle moment from player to coach. He views this work as deeply meaningful, something akin to “soul work” or “heart work,” driven by a sense of duty to give back after receiving support himself. Before undergoing coach training, he had a general understanding of the program but approached it with optimism and a willingness to learn. It was clear that he approaches his role without judgment, particularly when discussing the challenges his players face, such as alcohol use. He shared his own experiences with drinking, using them as a way to connect with players and encourage them to pursue healthier lifestyles.
The coach also emphasised the importance of social support in managing health. He encouraged players to disclose their HIV status to someone close, like a family member, to prevent them from hiding their medication and missing doses. This openness, he believes, can facilitate healthier living and help suppress viral loads. When encouraging his players, the coach used the term "ndoda" to address them, which he noted as a term of endearment within their community. While it may seem binary, he explained that it reflects camaraderie among the players.
When I asked him what motivates his work, he responded, “We are all fighting battles in life, but imagine having someone fighting those battles with you.” The coach measured the Yim’lo project’s impact through his personal experiences and believed that players staying on track with their health positively affects the program's success. However, he acknowledged challenges, noting that while coaches receive resources like data, airtime, and vehicles, these tools can only go so far if players make choices that hinder their engagement and response.
