24 year old Phindile Khambule, originally from the tiny African village of Ramatlabama in South Africa’s North West Province, first got involved with the AFL in South Africa in 2002.

 

“I wanted to play but ended up getting involved as an umpire”, said Phindi, who was recruited by AFLSA’s first AVI volunteer Dale Alsford.

 

Phindi volunteered with AFLSA until 2005 when former AFLSA President Brian Dixon and AVI staff member Steve Harrison, employed her as one of four locals under the new structure of the time. Phindi’s first role was an Administrative Assistant / Umpiring Coordinator.

 

In this formative role, she learnt all about computers from scratch with support from Potchefstroom local Anna Dani from OpenCafe and helped recruit 60 female umpires to AFLSA’s ranks.

 

With no formal university education behind her, Phindi has learnt from different Australian mentors over the years including Alsford, Harrison, Gary Learmonth, Allison Simons and Travis Jackson, to rise from a voluntary position to become one of AFLSA’s most important staff members. 

 

“Phindi’s recent promotion to the role of National Events & Marketing Coordinator recognises her hard work and dedication over a number of years,” said National Operations Manager Joel Kelly.

 

Phindi now manages our marketing including our new-look website and regular newsletter and plays a major role in coordinating logistics of AFLSA’s increasing list of major events. 

 

“Phindi showed great initiative during the recent tour by the AIS / AFL Academy, suggesting that we dove-tail our own staff conference with the AIS visit, so that we could maximise the opportunity to transfer skills whilst the visiting Australians were here”, said Kelly. “It was a great idea and one that has helped shape future tours by in-bound groups”

 

For Phindi the Australian game is all about opportunity, “AFL is a special game which provides opportunities for all – it doesn’t seem to matter if you are rich or poor; tall or short; fat or thin; educated or not, AFLSA welcomes your contribution” said Phindi from her base in Potchefstroom.

 

Phindi is one of 17 local full time staff with AFL South Africa with over half of those graduating through the ranks from voluntary positions to full time roles. This fact underscores the value of AFL South Africa’s People & Culture Training and Development program, proudly supported by AusAID, which provides the platfrom to train and develop young South Africans just like Phindi.