When the North-West University Soccer Institute posted a congratulatory message to their captain, Olebogeng Newton Moeti, on 7 May 2025, it marked more than the completion of a degree. It celebrated a story of perseverance, purpose, and the power of mentorship.

Moeti, affectionately known as “Sauce” by his peers, has completed his Honours Degree in Physics, balancing academic excellence with a demanding athletic schedule as the captain of the NWU first soccer team. But his journey—one filled with both triumph and hardship—began in the heart of Choseng Village, where his path intersected with a mentor who would change his life.

Dr. David Jakwe, co-founder of the Choseng Big 5 Sports Tournament, first encountered Newton when the young man approached him with a simple request: “Could you help me get a pair of soccer boots?” Dr. Jakwe obliged. What followed was a relationship built on mutual respect, mentorship, and shared values.

“His humility and sincerity moved me,” Dr. Jakwe recalls. “I felt compelled to offer support beyond the sports field.”

That moment planted the seed of a mentorship that would blossom into a father-son dynamic—one marked by trust, consistency, and transformation.

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Described as respectful, self-disciplined, and mature beyond his years, Newton stood out not only for his talent on the soccer field, but for his dedication to his studies and personal development. He regularly updated Dr. Jakwe on his academic and athletic progress, a testament to his accountability and drive.

“He’s someone who values guidance and learns from it, which is rare and commendable,” Dr. Jakwe notes.

Life as a student-athlete is not without its challenges. From managing exhaustion to sacrificing social pleasures, Newton had to make difficult choices to stay on track.

“I often reminded him that while soccer was funding his education, academics were the foundation of his future,” says Dr. Jakwe.

One of Newton’s hardest moments came after a crushing loss in the Varsity Cup Final, a low point that tested his emotional resilience. With guidance from his mentor, he turned that heartbreak into fuel—rising to captain his team and tutor his peers.

When Newton walked across the stage to receive his Honours degree, it wasn’t just a win for him—it was a victory for his family, his community, and his mentor.

“Seeing Newton graduate brought me immense pride,” Dr. Jakwe reflects. “It reminded me why I do what I do.”

For Kgolagano Molatlhegi, who publicly congratulated him on social media with the words “Congratulations Ma’Sauce,” it was a moment that represented the power of vision and hard work—proof that young black excellence can thrive even in the face of limited resources.

Newton currently serves as a secondary school teacher, but both he and Dr. Jakwe have set their sights higher: a Master’s Degree in Physics and a future in academia or research.

“Advancing academically will open doors for him at the university level,” says Dr. Jakwe. “He’s only just begun.”

Dr. Jakwe urges others who have the capacity to guide and uplift youth to step up.

“Mentorship isn’t about money—it’s about presence. It’s about being there when they win, and especially when they lose.”

As Newton Moeti closes this chapter, he carries with him not only a degree but a powerful story—one that reflects the strength of community, the value of character, and the impact of one person choosing to believe in another.

The Vryburg Independent Post celebrates Newton Moeti and all young people who are rising against the odds. We also honour mentors like Dr. Jakwe, who water the seeds of success one conversation, one soccer boot, and one word of encouragement at a time.

-The VIP Team

-NWU Soccer institute

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