From Struggle to Community Partner; My Journey with Andy Newell, My Life Coach.
Written by Sikhosonke Mani
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the power in life coaching and support. My name is Sikhosonke Mani a Recipient of the Chris Burger Player Fund, and with the help of my life coach Andy, I’ve achieved my goal of becoming a Community Partner.
The struggle was real, I was stuck, unsure how to turn my passion for community development into a tangible role. Becoming a QASA Community Partner seemed daunting – I doubted my abilities and felt overwhelmed.
The turning point was when I connected with and through The Players’ Fund and their offer of a life coach, Andy Newell. They matched me up and it was a game-changer. Through coaching, I gained clarity on my strengths and a roadmap to achieve my goal. Andy believed in me when I didn’t.
Writing my goal down was one thing that helped me. It made it tangible, something I could refer to and track progress against. When you put your goals on paper, it shifts your mindset – you start seeing opportunities and working towards it.
The journey unfolded with Andy’s guidance and I learnt the following:
- Identified my community engagement skills
- Built confidence to take on new challenges
- Developed a strategy to partner with QASA
The outcome is that I’m proud to be a QASA Community Partner! This role lets me make a meaningful impact in my community. If you’re aspiring to make a difference, I encourage you to seek support – it makes a difference. To believe in abilities and to write down your goals and track your progress. To take small steps towards your goal.
Your journey starts today. Let’s make an impact together! Chadley Muller from QASA worked closely with recipient Sikhosonke Mani of The Players’ Fund and had the following to share:
Chadley Muller from QASA worked closely with recipient Sikhosonke Mani of The Players’ Fund and had the following to share:
Written by Chadley Muller of QASA
Sikhosonke Mani’s journey with the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) is a powerful example of personal growth, resilience, and community leadership. Sikhosonke, a quadriplegic following a rugby‑related injury, currently resides at Cheshire Homes in Cleary Park, Gqeberha. Despite the challenges he faces, he has consistently demonstrated determination and a strong commitment to supporting others within the quadriplegic and paraplegic community.
In 2022, Sikhosonke participated in QASA’s Work Readiness Programme, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the standout performers. His engagement, leadership potential, and willingness to learn set him apart, marking him as a member with significant promise for future growth within the organisation.
Building on this foundation, Sikhosonke was selected in 2025 to take part in QASA’s Life Coaching Programme. Through this programme, he gained increased self‑confidence, clarity of purpose, and practical tools to set and achieve meaningful goals. It was during this time that Sikhosonke articulated a clear goal: to become a source of support and guidance for quadriplegics and paraplegics within his local community in Gqeberha.
QASA is proud to share that Sikhosonke’s goal was realised in January 2026, when he was appointed as a QASA Community Partner. In this role, he plays a vital part in identifying potential QASA members, sharing information about QASA’s projects and services, and linking individuals to relevant referrals and support structures where needed.
His lived experience, combined with his strong interpersonal skills, allows him to connect authentically with QASA members and advocate effectively on their behalf.
