Alex’s Messi heads off to Real Madrid

Realogile High School’s Tshepang Phala, one of the two nimble-footed boys in Alex football who go by the nickname of Messi, is scheduled for a trip in September to join Real Madrid.

Phala, one of the most creative footballers of the U15 side of Malandela Mighty Heroes Football Club will be closely following in the footsteps of his hero, Lionel Messi, and will spend a week of intensive training with the first team of Real Madrid.

Phala was spotted by scouts from Real Madrid in one of his team’s games in the local leagues of the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association, who then videotaped him and gave it to the Spanish La Liga side – and they were impressed with what they saw.

Real then gave Messi’s coach, Vincent Ramofi a call and said they would like to invite the youngster over to the club to see him live on the Real stage.

“I am happy for the youngster as it is a clear indication of the potent talent the boy possesses. This will be a good platform for him to launch his career, as we don’t know what will happen if they are really impressed first hand. You never know, they might whisk him away to their academy on a scholarship or whatever,” said a proud Ramofi, who couldn’t help mentioning that he has come off his hands.

“I look forward to the trip and being in a plane and going overseas for the first time. I do not have any goose bumps at all for my maiden flight but what I am really itching to do is to meet my namesake, Messi, while I am in Madrid,” said the young and timid Phala, who turns 14 on 15 July.

Asked what he would say to Lionel Messi when afforded the opportunity to meet him in person, Phala said, “I will tell him that back at home, because of my nimble foot and football skills just like him, they named me after him.”