St Francis learner kicks Covid-19 away
Masina used to play for Benoni Northerns before leaving to join a club that plays in higher leagues.
David Masina (15) is a Grade 10 learner at St Francis College in Benoni and loves soccer.
He loves soccer so much that he decided not to let Covid-19 get the best of him and stop him from doing what he loves.
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“I play soccer, athletics, field events, cricket and swimming in school,” he explained.
“Outside of school, I take part in only soccer as this is the sport I want to pursue.
“Soccer is my favourite sport because I really love how much of a family the team becomes and I love team sports.”
The Crystal Park resident started at St Francis in Grade RRR and has racked up many awards for his sport along the way, including:
• 2019: Certificate of Merit for both most committed player u-15 and soccer full colours.
• 2018: Certificate of Merit for both Junior Sportsperson of the year and Junior Sportsman.
• 2017: Player of the year for u-13 and Players Player of the year u-13.
• 2016: Certificate of Merit for Athlete of the year.
• 2015: Certificate of Merit for Athlete of the year.
Although the pandemic has affected many sports within and outside of schools, Masina refuses to let it stop him from enjoying his sport to the fullest.
“It affected the group training with the team and competition participation,” he explained.
“But it did not affect my personal training, which I do at home.”
Masina focuses on his training at home, hoping to one day make it to the big leagues.
“I start with an early morning run for about 6km to 7km, then body workout,” he said.
“By the afternoon I am working on my ball work, acceleration/speed training, Orbitrek workout for speed and stamina and finishing with some cone and ladder drills.”
Masina used to play for Benoni Northerns before leaving to join a club that plays in the Gauteng Development League.
“The club I play for now is called Jomo Cosmos Academy, based in Rosettenville, Johannesburg.”
Masina feels that his family is his biggest support system and that he never would have made it this far without them by his side and without their support.
“My support systems are my parents Joseph and Thobisile Nwuno and my siblings Tony, Unathi, Samukelo and Uche Nwuno.
“My parents support me financially by ensuring that I have the proper gear, ensuring I register for the necessary events and that I get transport to where ever I need to be. They are always attending my soccer matches and training sessions.
“My father and my brothers train with me to give me support and keep me company as well every now and then.”
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In five years, Masina sees himself playing for an international football team and in the top leagues.
“My biggest dream is to be one of the best soccer players in the world,” he said
At no point during the lockdown did Covid-19 negatively impact Masina and his love for soccer; in fact, he feels that the lockdown has only made him a better player.
“I took the opportunity to train and improve my game. I feel that I have grown stronger and more resilient.
“My greatest memory so far is the day when my current club played a match against Mamelodi Sundowns, which happens to be my favourite club.”
