Ayoba players graduate
More than 30 players of Ayoba-Yo Youth Soccer Academy graduated on Saturday at an event held at KwaThema Hall.
The second graduation ceremony by the five-year-old academy is done to fight against the age cheating which is done by many league teams playing in the townships.
On the day, the academy also issued certificates to welcome new players who play in different divisions of the academy.
The day was also aimed at recognising the hard work done by the academy officials and the sponsors.
Springs Local Football Association (SLFA) president, Edwin Mokgwatsana challenged parents to be at the KwaThema Sports Complex when their boys play.
He said the lack of parents’ support is the cause of many teams losing young boys.
“The boys stop playing because they do not get enough support and more support is need from their families,” said Mokgwatsana.
Ayoba technical director Innocent Mayoyo said football is a short term career.
He encouraged the players to seek education first before focusing on soccer as their career.
“Football will make you a star, but you need something to fall back on when the age does not allow you to be on the pitch,” advised Mayoyo.
Players who were given certificates on the day included the long term serving players, top goal scorers and the most disciplined players.
Jabulani Ngwenya was given a certificate for the most dedicated and committed academy official for the 2014/2015 season while Karabo Maqhashalala received a certificate for a long serving junior player and graduated from U/11 team to playing for the U/13 team this season.
