FIVE young soccer stars are in for the trip of a lifetime as they prepare to jet off to England for a football adventure that could change the course of their lives.
The cream of local talent, the youths, who all play in the SAFA Under 13 league in uMhlathuze, were hand-picked after trials and each boasts exceptional skill – which may well catch the eye of talent scouts in the UK.
The trip came about after negotiations between local SAFA junior coach Leonard Andrews and his employees, Anglo American Thermal Coal Marketing (AATCM), who are sponsoring the tour.
Coach assistant Siyabonga Ziqubu will accompany Andrews on the 10-day tour, which begins on Thursday.
At the official launch on Thursday, attended by Anglo, RBCT and SAFA VIPs as well as the boys’ families, the ‘One Vision’ project was described as ‘ground-breaking’ – the first known initiative of its kind in SA.
The young maestros are Mvelo Peacemaker Ndlovu (Grade 7, Heuwelland Primary), Simphiwe Wanda Mathaba (Grade 7, Grantleigh College), Sbongankonke Qiniso Mayise (Grade 9, Tholokuhle High), Wandile Samkelo Ngema (Grade 8, Umdlamfe High) and Asimbonge Mhlengi Mdunge (Grade 7, Richardia Primary).
After being showered with kit and goodies, the pupils were given good advice and a pep talk ahead of the adventure.
‘This is not just about football, it is about life,’ said AATCM Executive Head of Marketing and Sales,’ Zaheer Docrat.
‘You have a cold, tough tour ahead and you must have fun even as you work hard,’ he told the boys.
‘You will return with new skills and insights and become ambassadors for the beautiful game.
‘You will help us make a difference, so dream big and work hard!’
Full programme
While they will be hosted by Championship club Reading FC, the itinerary goes a whole lot further:
Saturday – One Vision Boys Training, Barnet FC; attend Watford v West Bromwich match at Vicarage Road
Sunday – Stadium tours: Arsenal (Emirates), Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) and Fulham (Craven Cottage). Training session conducted by Fabrice Ramphort
Monday – CHT induction and presentation; De Beers Presentation/Tour; training with High Wycombe development squad
Tuesday – Open top London bus tour; walk in the West End; Attend Reading vs Bolton match.
Wednesday 7 March – Reading FC U12-U16 Academy session observation; training with Reading FC development squad
Thursday 8 March – Reading FC U18 Academy session observation; guided visit of Hogwood Park training ground; training with Globe Active Academy
Friday 9 March – Pembroke College visit; meeting Cambridge United League 2 professional players; meeting Cambridge News; training with Cambridge United
Saturday 10 March – Mini 5-a-side in competition inWatford with Chorleywood FC.
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