A dream come true for young footballer
“My dream has always been to play for the senior team, I never anticipated this."
Springs – Eastvale-born aspiring soccer player Joshua Segnon (18) has secured a four-year fully funded scholarship to study at Gateway Legacy Christian Academy in Florissant, Missouri, in the United States. The senior player from local team Martial Eagles Academy jetted off to the US on Sunday, 4 October. He joined Martial Eagles Academy at the age of 11. “I joined because of my active and energetic nature. “My dream has always been to play for the senior team, I never anticipated this. “I have been fortunate to have worked with great individuals who have contributed to my growth and taught me great discipline,” he said.
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The trials took place in Randburg in February, where hundreds of hopefuls attended. “To have been chosen out of the hundreds truly proves hard work and a bit of self-confidence really does pay off. “We were being watched on and off the field, and I think what set me apart from the rest is discipline and knowing how to communicate with others,” he added. Segnon said being mentally prepared was one of the best things he did for himself. “I was told I needed to be mentally prepared before anything, that this wasn’t about me showing off my skills but opening myself up to learning and staying true to myself. “For me this is only the beginning. I know what I have to do when I get that side,” he explained. Coach Tumelo Motlakeng is confident Segnon will represent them well overseas. “This is no doubt a wonderful opportunity for him. He is a hard worker and his heart is in a good place. “We are looking forward to seeing great things from him. He is a focused, determined, physically and mentally strong individual.
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“This opportunity will grant him a chance to enhance his skills and represent our country well,” she said. Chairperson of Martial Eagles Academy Donald Sekgobela said: “Our vision is to develop young players from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, balancing education and sport. “We have been working handin-hand with local schools and the community to ensure we achieve our goal. “As a club, we are proud of Joshua as such an opportunity has been a dream, and to witness it unfold has been such a blessing. “I hope his story inspires other young players and motivates them to work hard and never fear to go after their dreams.” Follow us on: 
