It is a moment of immense pride for academy coach Carlos Mtshamba as one of his standout prospects, Lunje Noqobo, prepares to represent South Africa at the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Noqobo, an academy player for Siwelele FC, was named in Vela Khumalo’s eagerly awaited 23-man Amajita squad that travelled to Qatar for the prestigious youth tournament. For many of these youngsters, this trip represents the most significant milestone in their budding careers.
The young midfielder stands out as the only Eastern Cape-born player selected for the squad. Noqobo joined Siwelele [formerly Supersport United] in 2024 from Mtshamba’s Carlos Soccer Youth Academy in East London.
Mtshamba is a renowned mentor in the junior ranks, having previously nurtured talents like University of Pretoria midfielder Aphelele Teto. Upon hearing the news of Noqobo’s selection, the proud former coach shared his emotional reaction with FARPost, reflecting on the challenges they overcame at the academy.
“Honestly speaking, I am over the moon,” Mtshamba shared. “You know, when you start something and people discourage you and say, ‘This person is just wasting your children’s time’. Then some of the parents say ‘No, we have got faith in him.’”
MTSHAMBA SHARES HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Unlike many of his peers, Noqobo is no stranger to the pleasures of international competition. In July, he donned international colours at the COSAFA Under-20 tournament. At just 17, he helped South Africa win the tournament, returning with his first gold medal.
Following COSAFA triumph with Amajita, the young defender now sets his sights on gaining invaluable experience at an even grander stage.
Having witnessed Noqobo’s raw talent from the beginning, Mtshamba firmly believes that his technical prowess will propel him to the highest levels of the game.
EUROPE BOUND? COACH MTSHAMBA PREDICTS OVERSEAS FUTURE FOR LUNJE NOQOBO
“I see this boy playing in Europe because he makes football seem simple. He knows how to position himself, he knows when to press and when to get in those half spaces where he can lock in there, and he is very good going forward,” said Mtshamba.
Hailing from a modest background with little more than a dream, Noqobo’s journey mirrors that of many South African talents, needing nothing but opportunity.
Mtshamba’s pride in Lunje Noqobo’s progress is rooted in a moment of deep personal validation. He vividly recalled a time when Noqobo’s mother stood firm against external pressure to withdraw her son from the academy.
“So, I see him going overseas, and I am happy for him and his family, especially his mom, who was like, ‘coach, they want me to remove my son from your academy, and I am not doing that’,” Mtshamba shared, highlighting her unwavering faith.
Noqobo has already made his mark at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, featuring in the opening match where Amajimbos secured a 3-1 victory against Bolivia. South Africa then played to a 1-1 draw against hosts Qatar in their second group stage game, though Noqobo did not feature. He is now expected to push for inclusion and make further contributions when the team faces Italy in their crucial final group stage match on Sunday.
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