Former soccer coach sentenced to 15 years for sexually abusing three boys

A 48-year-old former soccer coach has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for sexually abusing three young boys in eZinambeni, Vosman, Mpumalanga.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the man was convicted on nine counts, including three counts each of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and sexual grooming.

The offences were committed between September and October 2023 while the accused was coaching children aged between seven and 18.

The NPA said the victims regularly visited the accused’s home to help wash soccer jerseys and equipment or spend time with their coach.

The abuse came to light after two of the boys failed to return home one evening. Their parents went to the accused’s house and, after gaining access, found the boys inside. The children disclosed that they had been sexually assaulted.

The investigation later uncovered another victim.

The accused denied the charges and claimed he did not know the boys or coach them. However, prosecutor Princess Mathabathe led evidence from the three victims and the investigating officer.

The court found the victims’ evidence credible, clear and consistent, and rejected the accused’s version as false and contradictory.

During sentencing, the State highlighted the accused’s abuse of his position of trust and authority. Victim Impact Statements detailed the emotional and psychological harm suffered by the children, including trauma, embarrassment and self-blame.

The court also declared the accused unfit to work with children and possess a firearm, and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The NPA commended the victims and their families for their courage in reporting the abuse.