“I have dreamed of this ever since I can remember, and being part of this team made my dream come true,” said 17-year-old Thabo Mokwena.
Thabo is a Grade 10 learner at West Ridge High School, and had the opportunity to represent his country as part of the U/17 Bafana Bafana (Amajimbos) team that participated in the BRICS U/17 Football Cup held in India. He was also chosen as the school’s Sportsman of the Year for last year.
The BRICS tournament consists of teams from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. This year’s tournament was the first, but it will be held annually in future. Every one of the participating countries will have an opportunity to host the tournament.
“I played in the Gauteng Schools Tournament in Durban last year, where I was noticed by the National Selectors. On our way home after the tournament, my coach informed me that I had been selected for the national team, and would be going straight to the training camp. I did not even go back home,” he said, with a smile on his face.
He said that the team played games in India, Tanzania and Mauritius and gained a lot of experience. “Unfortunately we lost in the finals against Namibia and did not qualify for participation in the upcoming World Cup. But, I enjoyed playing with the team. I had the opportunity to see what is going on in other countries and experience various sets of conditions, which are very different from what we have in South Africa,” said Thabo.
Thabo has been playing soccer since he entered Grade 1, and has always dreamed of being able to represent his country. His message to other players is simple: “Just keep on working hard and be patient. Do not give up too quickly, it takes time.”
He concluded by saying, “Being able to live out my dream was incredible. I believe that I have been given this talent to play, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given to represent my country.”
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