“Writing My Own Narrative”: South Africa’s First Male Gay Footballer, Phuti Lekoloane

Phuti Lekoloane is no stranger to firsts—or to fighting for a place in a world that often shuts its doors on queer people in sport.

As South Africa’s first out male gay footballer, and now the driving force behind the African Pride Games, Lekoloane continues to shift conversations, push boundaries, and create platforms where visibility isn’t just symbolic—it’s survival.

Speaking to MambaOnline, Lekoloane shared insights into the personal drive behind his advocacy, the weight of being a visible figure in football, and the urgent need for support to keep queer-inclusive sport alive on the continent.

“Most people see the loud, fearless version of me,” Lekoloane says. “The one always advocating, always pushing. But what many don’t know is how deeply sensitive I am. I carry every story I hear, every injustice I witness, very personally. I’m not just fighting for visibility, I’m fighting because I know how heavy it is to feel invisible.”

It’s this sense of purpose that underpins the work of the Phuti Lekoloane Foundation, which was  honoured with the Best LGBTQI Youth Movement award at the 2023 Feather Awards, followed by the International Award at the Football v Homophobia Awards in Glasgow in March. But beyond the accolades lies a harsher truth.

“We’re also struggling,” Lekoloane admits. “With zero funding and no consistent sponsorship, survival itself has become a daily challenge. We’re driven by passion and resilience, but we need real support to grow and sustain this movement. This isn’t just about sport; it’s about visibility, safety, and rewriting what’s possible for queer African youth.”

This year’s African Pride Games—a continental celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport—will run from 26 September to 27 October 2025 at Rabie Ridge Stadium, and sponsorship opportunities remain open. “Even in the face of that reality, we’re pushing forward—because we know what’s at stake,” he adds.

Lekoloane’s journey from rural Polokwane to global recognition hasn’t been linear. It started humbly—as a cleaner at a marketing agency during the 2010 World Cup.

“Instead of just mopping floors, I would walk into offices and ask people how things worked and how I could help,” he recalls. “Eventually, they fired me. But what they didn’t know was that they sparked something.”

That fire is still burning. “I didn’t come out to make headlines,” he says. “I came out because I was tired of erasing myself to fit into a space I loved. My journey isn’t just mine—it’s a crack in the wall for others to walk through.”

Despite the adversity, Lekoloane remains grounded—in community, nature, and joy. “Nature and community are my therapy,” he reflects. “Mentoring, laughing, dreaming with young people. Music. Dancing it out. Or just silence. These are the things that help me recharge so I can show up stronger.”

Born in the village of Moletjie Ga Matabola in Limpopo, Lekoloane says his roots keep him anchored. “The support I received from my community, especially the Royal House, has been incredible. That alone shows that homophobia is a choice, just like hate. People can choose to love, support, and uplift you.”

And to the next generation, he offers this message: “You don’t have to be loud to be proud. Your journey is valid, even if it’s quiet right now. You are not broken. You are not alone. And you don’t need to shrink to survive. The world may not always understand you, but that doesn’t make your truth any less powerful.”

Lekoloane might be dreaming of a life in Canada—“because safety is still one of my biggest challenges in South Africa”—but for now, his heart beats for Mzansi. “I’m still writing my own narrative,” he says. “This time, on my own terms.”