Reiger Park’s soccer diamond in the rough

Growing up in the streets of Reiger Park, Zunad ‘Zuzu’ Ground’s passion for and talent in football could just be the remedy to help him realise his true potential.

Only eight years of age, the boy fondly known as Zuzu, not to be confused with the nickname of French icon Zinedine ‘Zizou’ Zidane – has a bright future ahead of him according to his coach and mentor Muzi Masuku.

Perhaps it explains why Masuku has invested so much in the youngster.

The two met when Masuku was on his multiple scouting trips in Reiger Park last year November when he spotted Zuzu’s talent almost immediately while the youngster was enjoying a game with his friends on the street.

Masuku, who’s as passionate as they come in the development phase of the beautiful game, has since helped Zuzu get into the SuperSport United Soccer Schools situated near the Festival Mall in Kempton Park.

Zuzu has now been chosen to represent SuperSport United Soccer Schools at a tournament taking place in George from October 4 to 7.

The cost for the youngster to be part of the tournament is R4 600 and Masuku and everyone behind Zuzu is pleading the Boksburg public for their donations to turn the dream into a reality.

Masuku said: “I believe there’s a lot of talent among underprivileged children and they too deserve the same opportunities more privileged children do.

“I spotted Zuzu among a group of about 15 boys before taking him to SuperSport. They (at SuperSport) told me they would need a week to assess him before deciding whether he’s good enough and the following day they called saying they’re taking him.

If you’re interested in contributing, you may contact SuperSport United Soccer Schools’ Ryan Macfarlane on 083 227 6852 or Masuku on 073 906 9084.

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