Four teenagers from Kokstad and Bizana in the Eastern Cape have been given a life-changing opportunity to train with DStv Premiership side Cape Town City FC.
The boys, Kaya Mavovana [20], Sibabalwe Myeki [15], and Amahle Nodini [16] from Kokstad and Nombekela Yanela [16] from Mfundisweni, Bizana were selected from a group of over 800 players who attended a talent scouting tournament organised by AmaMpondo Sports Foundation in the Eastern Cape in September.
The boys come from marginalised backgrounds but are passionate about football and dream of playing professionally.
HOW THE QUARTET GOT THE CAPE TOWN CITY OPPORTUNITY
“This is a dream come true for the boys,” said ASF secretary Zuki Ngundze told FARPost. “Our tournament aims to expose these teenagers. They have the chance to make their dreams of either playing in the PSL or Motsepe Foundation Championship a reality.”
“We’re so grateful to Cape Town City for giving them this opportunity,” added Ngundze.
The boys arrived in Cape Town on Sunday and have already started training with the City Under 18 team.
Cape Town City are said to be excited about the quartet’s potential. The club will assess how they perform during the weeklong assessment. If they continue to work hard and impress, they could have a bright future with the Citizens.
The opportunity to train with Cape Town City is life-changing for the boys. It gives them the chance to develop their skills under the guidance of professional coaches.
If they are successful, they could be on their way to becoming professional footballers. This would be a dream come true for them and a massive achievement for their families and communities.
ABOUT THE AMAMPONDO SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Foundation behind the initiative is a non-profit organisation that aims to develop and ignite sport in South Africa. In the past four years, they have done work in Flagstaff and Lusikisiki under Ingquza Hill Local Municipality.
The organisation was founded in 2019. It has since hosted four annual soccer tournaments, identifying and developing talented young players from the region.
The tournament drew scouts from several DStv Premiership clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Chippa United, and Cape Town Spurs.
Once the players are selected, ASF raises funds to send them to Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town for week-long assessments.
The other clubs that have shown interest in the youngsters include Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy.
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