Mangwane recovering after accident

Former Bela-Bela Soccer Academy player Itumeleng Mangwane – currently with the Mamelodi Sundowns FC development structures – is recovering in hospital after he was bumped by a car while jogging.

The local academy owner, Sam Modise, said Mangwane (20) was recovering well at Hammanskraal’s Jubilee Hospital.

He was knocked by the car while jogging in Hammanskraal on Saturday 7 July.

The youngster left Bela-Bela earlier in the year, going for trials at National First Division team, Jomo Cosmos FC.

He later went for more trials at Mamelodi Sundowns – the CAF Champions League title-holders – whereby he was enlisted for the club’s B team.

Before trying his luck at the highest level, Mangwane was a key player for Waterberg SAB League campaigners, Bela-Bela-based Diesel ‘n Dust FC.

Modise said the youngster was expected to be discharged shortly from hospital to continue to pursue his dream of playing soccer at the highest possible level.

Of encouragement to Mangwane, perhaps, is that he is pursuing his dream at a time another Mamelodi Sundowns development player, Percy Tau, was shortly headed for Brighton in the English Premier League.

— The BEAT