The recent Tlou Molekwane Youth Day Soccer Tournament Local held at Seshego Stadium created an ideal opportunity for aspiring local soccer payers to interact with a number of Limpopo-born players plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Among the professionals who participated at the tournament were the Polokwane City Football Club (FC) contingent of Thabiso Semenya and Puleng Tlolane, Phaladi Kobola of Cape Town City FC, Lucky Baloyi of Bloemfontein Celtic FC, Thobani Mcwango of Bidvest Wits FC and Lesego Modiba, goalkeeper for Jomo Cosmos FC.
Molekwane who founded and organised the tournament said he was pleased with the turnout and the kind of zeal displayed by aspiring soccer players on the day. “It was a football spectacle. The youngsters made the event more exciting. They were happy to share a soccerfield with their role models. As organisers of the event, we are just happy to help them to achieve their dreams,” former Bafana Bafana defender said.
The talent displayed by amateur local players Samuel Teffo, Mpho Makotja and Kwena Matlou on the day were impressive, according to Molekwane. “They were very impressive on the day and I think they will soon attract interest from big soccer clubs. All I want to say to them is that they must continue to work hard and remain focused and disciplined,” Molekwane commented.
Tlolane applauded Molekwane for giving young players in the area such a great opportunity. “It was kind of him because some of us never had such opportunities. The youngsters did not disappoint. They gave their all and I wish them luck in their future endeavours.”
He added that for him personally it was good to play alongside Molekwane. “He was one of my favourite players while growing up. I used watch him on TV when he was playing for Kaizer Chiefs FC and the South African u.23 team. We later became teammates and that on its own shows that dreams to come true. I also want to urge all soccer players at grassroots level who want to make it to the professional ranks to make use of every opportunity. They must participate in every local soccer tournament because you never know who is watching,” he concluded.
Story and photos: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com
