Jannas football player reaches for the German sky

Hoërskool Jan Viljoen High School’s Grade 10 learner Gasefele Thato Phiri made astonishing football achievements during June.

Gasefele was selected as one of 36 players to attend a prestigious trial camp in Germany on June 17, organised by the FSV Mainz technical team in collaboration with the Prestige Football Development Academy.

He was awarded the opportunity after the FSV Mainz coaches visited South Africa to join the academy’s camp. The coaches shared their expertise and evaluated the young soccer players.

He has since completed his tour and Jan Viljoen has welcomed him back.

“A lot of the football techniques used in Germany is different from the typical styles being used in South Africa, including the drills,” Gasefele explained.

Even though he completed the trial, Gasefele will be returning to Germany in 2025.

“It makes me happy to know how far I have come, however, I will miss my parents very much,” he expressed.

He was born in the North West where children regularly play street soccer. According to Gasefele, when he participated in street soccer, he realised that he had a great passion for the sport. It was then that he decided to join a football club in the North West. When his parents moved to Randfontein, Gasefele was exposed to more variety of football clubs. Eventually, he decided to join the Prestige Football Development Academy.

He enjoys training. He explained that every match he plays, he tries to see where he fell short. He then focuses on improving the areas he struggled with during the match.

Besides his father playing a big role in his football development, Gasefele also said that Kylian Mbappé from France is one of his biggest inspirations.

“I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity. Always be humble and work hard for what you want to achieve,” he said.

Jan Viljoen declared their delight, stating that they are proud to have Gasefele representing not only their school but South Africa as well.