Flora Park learners gain experience at US soccer tourney
Amukelani Gift Mabunda and Khonadzeo Muvhango said having been part of the team that went to the US showed them that anything is possible.
POLOKWANE – Amukelani Gift Mabunda and Khonadzeo Muvhango are learners at Flora Park Comprehensive High School (FCHS) who recently had the opportunity to play at the Target USA Cup in Minnesota in the United States of America.
The soccer tournament, which took place from July 18-22 hosted over 1 200 teams from all over the world and the two learners made the team that represented South Africa’s u/19 team.
Mabunda started playing at the age of seven, and says soccer runs in the family. He is the nephew of former Mamelodi Sundowns player, Tiyani Mabunda and his grandmother is Cecilia Mabunda, who made the team that played in the Grannies International Football Tournament.
Muvhango started playing soccer at age 11, inspired by his older brother, Khumbudzo Muvhango, a former Black Leopards player.
“My brother is my biggest inspiration because he encourages me to live a clean life with no alcohol and smoking, take training seriously and listen to my elders in order to have a long career in soccer,” he explained.
He added that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot. “It was an eye opener to see how hard international players’ train.”
Mabunda shared that the experience has taught him discipline and time management skills.
“Having been part of the team that went to the US showed me that anything is possible. When I step onto the pitch, I feel at peace. The game has taught me that one must be a team player and make calculated plays. For this reason, I enjoy the game.”
