Champs for Change Launches Mentorship in Motion in Partnership with Ithuba Lethu Sports to Expand Career Pathways for Young Africans in Sport.
As Africa’s sports industry continues to grow, so does the need to develop the people who will build and sustain it. Today, Champs for Change (C4C) announced the launch of Mentorship in Motion, a new pan-African career development initiative designed to help young Africans aged 16-30 access careers across the sports ecosystem. Delivered in partnership with ILSH, the program combines structured mentorship, practical learning, and industry exposure to help participants better understand the opportunities available beyond the field of play.
Applications for the first cohort open on July 2 and close on July 16, 2026.
Across the continent, investment in sport continues to increase. New leagues, federations, clubs, brands, events, and sports businesses are creating opportunities that extend far beyond athletes themselves. Yet many young Africans remain unaware of the breadth of careers available or lack access to the guidance and professional networks needed to pursue them.
Mentorship in Motion was created to help bridge that gap. The program forms the first stage of Champs for Change’s broader career development journey, introducing participants to the African sports ecosystem while helping them build confidence, professional relationships, and a clearer understanding of their own strengths and career aspirations.
During the program, participants will:
- Be matched with an experienced mentor working within the sports industry.
- Participate in live learning sessions led by professionals across different sectors.
- Develop practical career plans and professional goals.
- Expand their networks through engagement with leaders across Africa’s sports ecosystem.
In addition to technical skills, the program places equal emphasis on personal growth, leadership, communication, and long-term career development.
Mentorship in Motion is delivered through a partnership between Champs for Change and ILSH, bringing together complementary expertise in youth development, leadership, and education. Together, both organizations aim to increase access to career opportunities while helping strengthen the human capital behind Africa’s growing sports industry.
Click here to apply now.
About Champs for Change (C4C) Champs for Change (C4C) is a pan-African social enterprise building the human capital behind Africa’s growing sports industry. Founded by Memuna Williams, Clarisse Machanguana, and Randy Soumahoro, C4C mission is to equip young Africans aged 16-30 with resources, mentoring, training and networks to transform passion for sport into dignified careers, enterprises, and inclusive industry growth.
About ILSH
Ithuba Lethu Sports Hub is a youth-led non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling youth unemployment in Africa by leveraging the continent’s rapidly growing sports sector. The initiative empowers young people aged 16-30 with skills, mentorship and career opportunities through education and capacity-building programmes.