From dusty streets to dribbling on PSL fields
Themba Chauke (26) started playing soccer in the dusty streets of Malamulele and is now a key player for Polokwane City.
LIMPOPO – Malamulele-born soccer player Themba Chauke (26) says young people must focus on soccer in order to stay away from social ills such as crime, alcohol and substance abuse, which destroy their future.
He started playing soccer in the dusty streets of Dinga village, Malamulele.
According to him, soccer can take young people off the streets where they are faced with social ills.
“Every time I go to the villages, I see young people doing drugs and alcohol because they do not participate in sport.
“I would like to encourage them to focus on soccer which will help to beat social problems.
“I was once there in the villages and if I managed to make it, you can make it in life despite your family’s background,” said Chauke.
Chauke currently plays for Polokwane City which plays in the top flight of South African soccer, the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
He previously played for amateur sides such as Bilika All Stars, Tsunami F.C, Mmaila Citizens and was on loan at Tshakuma Tsha Madivhandila F.C which plays in the National First Division.
“I want to see myself get selected for the national team and to play overseas as it is every player’s dream,” he said.
Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Moses Maluleke has applauded Chauke for representing the municipality in the PSL and urged other young stars to follow in his footsteps.
“We as the municipality are proud of him and call on other young people to follow in his footsteps. We need more Thembas,” he added .
