In the heart of Mfuleni township, where opportunities are often scarce and young people face daily social challenges, Xolisa Sokayi has been quietly reshaping the future of community sport. Xolisa Sokayi, founder and chairman of Mfuleni Cricket Club, has dedicated his his time to proving that cricket is more than a game eMfuleni and can be a tool for transformation, with the right minds and resources.

Since establishing the club, Sokayi has been driven by a simple but powerful vision: to make cricket structured, fun, and inclusive for township youth. The fields of Mfuleni are gradually becoming more than practice grounds, they are growing into spaces where children learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Sokayi’s approach seeks extended beyond batting and bowling drills; he is acknowledged as one who’s ensures that life skills are woven into every session, preparing young players not only to succeed in sport but to face the challenges of life with confidence.

His leadership doesn’t stop at Mfuleni. As coordinator of Grassroots Cricket South Africa, Sokayi aims at broadening his mission eMfuleni and beyond. By collaborating with local schools, community clubs, and partners like Starting Chance, he is building a network of support that prioritises both sporting excellence and social development. For Sokayi, cricket is the gateway, but one can tell that empowerment is the destination.

It’s a story that deserves a wider audience, and fortunately, it’s one that Sokayi himself tells with passion and clarity on the Leading Edge With Scent podcast, produced by Roundly Podcast Studio in Cape Town.

In this conversation, he reflects on why grassroots cricket matters now more than ever, how structured mentorship changes lives, and what his goals are for the first year of Grassroots Cricket SA.

For anyone invested in the future of township sport, whether as a coach, administrator, or supporter, this interview is a must-watch. It is a reminder that leadership, when rooted in purpose, has the power to inspire entire communities. Sokayi’s story is not just about cricket; it’s about hope, resilience, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to step onto the pitch of possibility.

Listen to the full interview with Xolisa Sokayi on the Leading Edge with Scent podcast by Roundly Studio HERE