The 19-year-old Andries Masingi expressed his happiness when he boarded the bus to Johannesburg on Tuesday, where he will continue with his studies at a soccer academy.
Andries's journey started after he was selected during soccer tournaments hosted by Mamu Community Development at the Mabaleng Sport Centre at Tshiozwi. "I was overjoyed when I received the news that I had been selected for a scholarship at a soccer academy in Johannesburg," he said.
For two years, representatives of the Thuso Phala Foundation, as supporters of the Mamu Community Development, had participated in the organisation's soccer tournaments for the purposes of scouting at least five players for a possible sponsorship in sport development. Andries was noticed in the first year and the representatives came again the following year and observed the talented player.
The young player impressed the scouts and he became the first candidate for the five wanted boys. Andries is in Grade 10 at Maneledzi and he said that he would behave himself in Gauteng. "I know that I will be exposed to a new environment," he said. "But as someone who possesses self-respect, I will focus on my studies and soccer. Tshiozwi village, Vhembe district and Limpopo will be proud of me."
This young man had previously made his mark in the soccer fraternity when he played for Tshiozwi Pat Mates. At the time of his selection and his going to Gauteng, he was playing for Madombidzha Western Stars.
The general secretary for Mamu Community Development, Mr Jafter Mamugudubi, said that the organisation was happy about Andries's achievement. "We want to see more boys and girls receiving attention and gaining the kind of success which they deserve," Mamugudubi said. "We wish Andries all the best in his new life as an emerging soccer player." Mamugudubi also extended sincere gratitude to Madombidzha Western Stars for granting Andries explicit permission to go explore his soccer career.