Kwa-Thema – Ace Auto Ayoba held a graduation event on Sunday at Kwa-Thema Hall. The graduations were to celebrate the growth of the players and to also show gratitude to people who support the team.
The U13s, coached by Banele ‘Coach Naiza’ Ndwalane, won the team of the season award.
Ndwalane said, “My boys won the league last year when they were still in the U11 team and won it again this year as the U13s.
“I am hoping that they will win it again next year and defend the title, as they will still be U13s. I am very proud of them as they always show dedication.”
Thulisile Ngema, mother of one of the top achievers Ndumiso Khanye who bagged four certificates and a trophy, said, “I am happy for my son. He started playing soccer when he was four and wanted no other toy than a soccer ball.
“Coach Naiza saw him while passing on the street and took him into the team. He was seven when that happened.”
Khanye won long-serving player U11, top goal scorer U11, graduation to U13 and player of the season U11.
Seipati Mankge, one of the two parents who won the most supportive parent award said, “I have three children in the team and it makes me happy being recognised as a supportive parent. It inspires me to support them even more.”
Naledi Mankge is the only girl who plays for the team. Her mother Lerato Mankge said she was proud of her, knowing that her daughter is the only female player on the team.
Siyabonga Ngwenya bagged six awards and two trophies.
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Ngwenya said, “I worked hard and am proud of myself. A lot of people have been supporting me and I will return that with a good performance.”
Ngwenya won overall player of the season, long-serving player U15, top goal scorer U15, certificate of promotion to the senior team, certificate of graduation to U17 and overall top goal scorer.
African Reporter journalist Doreen Mokgolo and Sharon Mdaka, a former journalist at the publication, also received certificates of appreciation for their contribution to youth development.
Mokgolo said she was grateful for the gesture.
