Opportunity for Modimolle-Mookgophong soccer players

A total of 64 players from the Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Football Association (LFA) were selected to go to camp, with a real possibility of being drafted into the programmes of Rising Stars Sports Academy in Polokwane.

The preliminary trials were held by the academy in conjunction with the LFA, at Modimolle’s Ephraim Mogale Stadium on Friday, 05 October.

Players from Modimolle, Vaalwater and Mookgophong totalling 134 came to try their luck.

The trials focused on the under-13, under-15 and under-17 player categories.

Coaches Bethuel Mabotja, Phuti Mabotja and Sophonia Makgoka had their hands full, having to identify the crème de la crème out of a large number of talented players who attended the trials.

Coach Bethuel Mabotja said he was impressed by the number of players who showed up, and also indicated they were wowed by the talent displayed by these players.

As a coach who was once based in the Waterberg, Mabotja acknowledged that the performance of these young players reflected a huge improvement in terms of football development in the region.

The coaches started with their mission in Polokwane, moved to Sekhukhune then later visited Lephalale and Modimolle in the Waterberg.

“We would like to thank SAFA Limpopo, SAFA Waterberg and the LFA for welcoming us, and allowing this development to take place,” he said.

The next step from here is the camp, which will be held in Lebowakgomo at a yet to decided venue and date.

Modimolle-Mookgophong LFA deputy chairperson Happy Kekana said they saw potential in the youngsters who participated in the trials.

He also extended gratitude to among others, the academy and the local municipality for supporting football development at grassroots level.

— The BEAT