MBOMBELA— A whistle cuts through the morning air. Players jog across the training field while Lindokuhle Magagula keeps time and shouts encouragement. She’s shaping athletes’ bodies and minds as the fitness coach for Kruger United Football Club and conditioning coach registered with the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Magagula’s love for sport began at Nelspruit Primary School, where she first picked up netball in Grade 6. “That’s when my love for the game really began and I’ve never looked back,” she says.
At just 12 years, she was already representing her province in netball, a proud moment for her school and community. She later completed her high school years at Lowveld High School, excelling both academically and athletically.
“I was a prefect and captain in high school. I’ve always found myself in leadership positions, even without trying,” she says. “I think it’s because I take responsibility seriously.”
From accounting to athletics
After matric, Magagula enrolled at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Mbombela, pursuing a Diploma in Accountancy even though sport remained her passion throughout her studies.
She became the captain of the TUT netball team and represented University Sport South Africa (USSA), playing under Coach Dumisani Chauke (now the Chairperson of USSA Netball). After completing her diploma, she stayed on as an assistant coach, working closely alongside Chauke.
“Coach Chauke taught me discipline and consistency. He always said, ‘Talent will get you started, but discipline will keep you there.’ That stuck with me,” Magagula recalls.
During her B-Tech studies, she briefly entered the corporate world as an accounting assistant at a local law firm. Six months later, she quit. “I realised I was helping someone else build their dream while ignoring mine. I had to be honest with myself, I knew I could do better,” she says.
Her mother, however, wasn’t happy with the decision at first. “My mom was really affected [as] she couldn’t understand why I’d leave a stable job,” Magagula admits.
Building a community fitness movement
Friends often asked how she stayed fit, what she ate and how she trained. Many wanted to be healthy but couldn’t afford expensive gyms. “So I thought why not bring fitness to them,” she says.
That idea led to the creation of Lindo’s Bootcamp, a community-based fitness program she started while completing her B-Tech in cost and management at TUT.
“It started small, just a few people on a field, but word spread and it kept growing. Before I knew it, we had a real fitness family,” she recalls. At one point, she juggled three demanding roles: coaching at TUT, Penryn High School and managing her bootcamp. “I’d train people in the morning, coach in the afternoon and run fitness sessions in the evening,” she says.
Penryn High School remains close to her heart. “That’s where I fell in love with coaching, the kids were so eager and full of potential which reminded me that sport is more than competition, it’s about shaping people,” she says. “It is beautiful to watch them learn discipline, teamwork and confidence.”
Stepping into football
Her reputation as a coach opened doors in football. She joined Kruger United Football Club as a fitness and conditioning coach, bringing her experience in athletic training to the pitch.
“At first I was just helping players with fitness, then it turned into a full programme. Now I make sure they’re ready physically, mentally and emotionally,” she says. “Fitness builds confidence. When a player feels strong, it changes how they move, how they play and how they see themselves.”
Over the years, Magagula has coached at Penryn and served as Head Coach for the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). She continues to mentor netball players, earning multiple trophies and medals along the way.
Faith, business and balance
Working outdoors inspired another venture, Organic Cornerstone, a soap and skincare business she founded after struggling to find products that protected her skin.
“I tried everything in stores but nothing worked so I decided to make my own,” she says her products made from organic ingredients are inspired by the Bible. “Every ingredient I use has a purpose, just like we all do. It’s about creating something pure, natural and healing.”
Her soaps are now sold locally in Mbombela, helping fund her sporting projects while promoting wellness and self-care. Despite her busy schedule, Magagula maintains balance. “I work about two hours a day; the rest of the time, I focus on family, faith and growth,” she says.
Faith guides her choices. “I don’t always have a long-term plan. I just do what God tells me to do next. Every time I listen, something good happens.”
When asked what advice she would give young girls, Magagula pauses. “Obedience is the brick to break open your doors.”
Magagula’s story is a testament to the power of choosing purpose over comfort. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned,” she says. “It’s that the Creator doesn’t waste anything. Every experience, even the ones that hurt, prepares you for the next chapter.”
