Off to Europe for two young soccer stars
Sphiwe Mabaso and Yanga Malindi have been selected for football trials overseas.
The West Rand Ballers Football Academy has only been around since 2016, however, it has produced two gems that could be South Africa’s next footballing sensations.
Sphiwe Mabaso and Yanga Malindi have only been training at the football academy for three years and have been scouted and recognised as being among the most talented players on the West Rand.
Sphiwe plays for the U17 team at the academy as a winger while Yanga plays as a defensive midfielder for the U19s. The boys were shining for their club in the Euro Soccer Schools tournament that was held in Bloemfontein on May 12. That is where they were recognised by the Euro School scouts and given the call to take their sports talent to the next level.
“We are still a relatively small club so it’s amazing to know that we develop players to reach their full potential,” said Junior Mowale, coach of the two boys.
He added Sphiwe and Yanga will be travelling to Portugal in June where they will attend trials for Sporting Club Braga, one of Portugal’s top teams famed for having one of the best academies under the Union of European Football Association (UEFA).
“It’s a big step and I am extremely grateful. Not many players my age get the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Yanga.
