Juventus Thobela FC's Mulisa Liberty Tshidino surprised even himself when he walked away with five awards in the U/13 category during the team's year-end prize-giving function, held at Dembetete Park last Saturday.
The prolific young midfielder was named as Player of the Season, Most Disciplined and Committed Player, Top Goal Scorer of the Season, Defender of the Season, and received the Chairman's Award.
The director of the team, Mr Thulani Malusele, aka coach Dolezar, thanked the parents and guardians of the players for trusting him and his technical team with their boys and allowing their sons time after school and over the weekends to practise and participate in games. "I feel very humbled and honoured that they feel they can put their trust in us as a team and give us the opportunity to train these kids. We have already produced players who are playing in the Motsepe Foundation League, and we are very optimistic that, in the next three years, some of our boys will be playing for big teams in the country," he said.
Addressing the youngsters at the function, pastor Mafhungo Libunyu advised them to stay away from drugs and alcohol, always follow the instructions of their coaches and respect their parents and elders in society. "The very first thing you must do when you wake up in the morning is to pray and thank God for what He is doing in your life. Then, go to school before attending soccer practice. With God in your life, you will succeed in whatever you do," he assured them.
Pastor Avhapfani Nengwekhulu, who used to be a great soccer player in his heydays too, also encouraged the boys to work very hard if they want to succeed in life.