Local footballer’s hard work pays off

Ian “Chukwu” Chikohwa is a beacon of hope to the people of Troyeville.

The 20 year-old is humbled and happy by what he has achieved through dedication and believing in his dream.

“I am happy to have made the Ke Yona team. Because if I had not, I would have had to abandon my dream next year and focus on my studies,” said Chukwu.

He was chosen from thousands of hopefuls from all nine provinces for the Nedbank Ke Yona team 2015. He is also the captain of the team.

The amateur team will face last season’s champions, Mamelodi Sundows, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on September 6.

Chukwu said the journey has been difficult, with intense training and cutting down of players. Despite these challenges, he was determined to prove himself and secure his place in the team.

“It was sad to see players go because we had developed a brotherhood while we were at the camp. We became friends and we all knew what this will mean for us and our families. Some are old and are at the age where scouts might not even look at them, and this was the last opportunity,” said Chukwu.

The striker started playing soccer on the streets of Troyeville at a young age and continued to play during his school years.

Since then, he was driven to succeed in soccer.

He played for a community team called Junior Aces, coached by the late Ndumisa Sibaya, who encouraged Chukwu to believe in himself.

“He told me that he sees greatness in me and that I should never give up on my dreams. I never understood why, because we were just a bunch of children playing soccer to pass the time,” said Chukwu.

He said he wants to inspire the community of Troyeville because a number of young people have lost hope and have given up on their dreams in his community.

“Everyone in my community knows I love soccer and they know the dedication I put into soccer. Even the children ask me to train them and they respect and listen to me.

“With this achievement, they can see that hard work does pay off,” said Chukwu.

He said leadership was something he was exposed to when he was elected as the deputy head boy in high school. He was also a captain during school.

“I was surprised when I was announced as the captain – I did not see it coming. But it seems the people in leadership see something in me that I don’t see. I will lead the team to success with hard work and dedication,” said Chukwu.

Playing soccer was not always well received by his mother, because she felt education was more important. She felt that soccer would not secure anything for him in life.

“My mother believes education is everything – with education you have a future. When I told her I’m taking a break to give my soccer a chance, she was disappointed but supported me. I promised her if I fail this year, I would go to varsity full time next year,” said Chukwu.

With the change of events, Chukwu plans to study part-time as he wants to give his time to soccer and see what fruits it yields for him.

After the Ke Yona Cup, PSL teams will take one player from the 18 players and they will get an opportunity to be signed with a PSL team if the team is happy with the performance.

He told the EXPRESS his proudest moment was seeing his mother cry when he was announced as the captain.