New Germany Samkelo is a little goal getter
Samkelo Mathonsi started talking at the age of five and his mother, Zama Mathonsi said Her son's delayed speech did not stop her from recognising the talents he displayed in other areas of his life.
YOUNG aspiring soccer player, Samkelo Mathonsi (5) has captured many hearts with his soccer skills after scoring a winning goal for his team.
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The New Germany Grade R learner plays under the Isicelo Sport Skills (ISS) development and participated in Pinetown Super Cup games which were held in Hillcrest on Saturday, 17 October.
ISS is a local NGO based in Pinetown established in 2016 by Scelo Zuma to develop and nurture football talent in children, both boys and girls.
Zuma sought to become a coach after retiring from professional soccer. His immediate objective is to develop talent in young players and help them achieve their full potential, on and off the field.
“The children come from different backgrounds, therefore they are able to learn from one another. Coaches give them guidance during training sessions to develop the ability to work together, cooperate with each other and as a result, they become disciplined soccer players at an early age,” said Zuma.
The games were held in preparation of the big tournament which is set to take place in December.
The founder of Iscelo Sports Skills Development and Pinetown Super Cup urged parents to encourage and nurture their child’s talent while they are still young.
He said he is planning for his players (U10 and U13) to take part in the Londo tournament next year.
Samkelo also enjoys being in the water which was the reason his mother, Zama Mathonsi signed him up to train with Mini Seagulls Club at Cowies Hill.
Her son’s delayed speech did not stop Mathonsi from recognising the talents he displayed in other areas of his life.
Samkelo came third in the Mr Dolphin Coast pageant in the junior category in 2018.
“My son only started talking this year at the age of five,” said Mathonsi.
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The single mother went on to say it makes her happy to see her child making such progress as she has been in and out of hospitals to figure out what was causing his delayed speech.
“I knew he was a healthy boy and that helped me to not give up,” said the proud mother.
Parents who wish to sign up their children with ISS can contact Zuma on 061 966 2950.
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