Indlovu FC duo made selections of Best of the Best National Talent ID trials

Indlovu players Lukhanyo ‘Ntsimbi’ Mapeyi and Tshegofatso ‘Kante’ Serema were selected at the Best of the Best National Talent Identification soccer trials hosted at Reddam House Waterfall.

The two players will join 30 others for an opportunity of a lifetime to participate in the Premier Soccer League pre-season camp that will consist of fixtures against teams in the DSTV Premiership and the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The soccer trials on July 2 saw more than 500 soccer players aged between 19 to 25 showcase their football talents before talent scouts, Safa goalkeeper coach David Ribeiro and football legend Daine Klate.

The trials aim to create exposure for elite amateur players from the ABC Motsepe League, and former SAB League now called the Regional League, and local football teams.

It was very impressive how well Ntsimbi did in the back line as he remained calm in the face of some difficult situations, made some blocks, and executed a few excellent cross-field passes that led Klate to add him to his selection list.

“When we participate in trials, we often go there with the mindset of wanting to prove a point, which is unnecessary. I think the players who have been chosen are because they showed character, discipline, and played a basic football like trap and pass,” said Ntsimbi.

“It is true that to succeed in life, you have to make a lot of sacrifices, especially when you get a chance to show your talent out there. I am just grateful for the opportunity.”

While Ntsimbi was clinical at the back, the adroit Kante proved impossible to stop in the middle of the park as he halted every opponent’s attacking moves and made it difficult for them to take the ball from him.

“What I noticed was that most players who participated in the trials tried to complicate things by showboating and taking unnecessary touches on the ball. As for me, I tried to keep things as simple as I could by applying the basics and abiding by the rules of the game,” said Kante.

An example of how successful these trials have been is Chippa United player Azola Matrose, who went from an amateur club to play for the SA U23s and went on to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Africa, Orlando Pirates, all within a year.

“It is an incredibly huge opportunity, to be honest,” added Kante. “Getting such an opportunity is overwhelming and a hard-earned one. There is no doubt in my mind that I have what it takes to be acknowledged at the highest level.”

The next phase of the programme will take place in Joburg later this month, venue and date to be confirmed.

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