Nhlanhla Chinhangue, a Liverpool Development Club player, believes soccer saved his life by preventing him from taking drugs.
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The 19-year-old feels athletics could help young people redefine themselves.
“I started playing soccer at 10 and have never looked back,” said Chinhangue.
“When I first started playing soccer, I was terrible, but my coach helped me improve. Today, I feel confident on the ball,” he said.
He admires Kevin de Bruyne, Themba Zwane and Christian Ronaldo and supports Kaizer Chiefs.
“I believe (Kaizer Chiefs coach) Arthur Zwane is a fine coach, but we must start winning trophies,” said Chinhangue.
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“When it comes to trials, we work as a team. Our goalie was previously identified and recruited to play for Junior Khanye Academy.
What motivates me is to keep playing at my highest level and have a goal to play in the National First Division in the next two years.
“My coach refers to me as a utility player – I can play all positions. I enjoy playing as a striker and a central defender because I can score, and we concede fewer goals when I play as a centre-back. Discipline is vital.
“Aside from soccer, my ambition is to pursue a diploma in business management and hospitality,” said Chinhangue.