BOPHELONG.- Mthokozisi Balakasi (20) is another Vaal upcoming soccer star who is destined for a great future in South African football.
Balakasi is the latest local boy to ply his trade in the Motsepe Foundations Championship for club Uthongathi FC from Durban. He is on loan from Kaizer Chiefs until the end of the season and has already made his presence to be felt in this first-division league. Balakasi scored a goal when Uthongathi FC beat Baroka 2-0 in the Motsepe Foundation Championships recently.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Balakasi said it was easy for him to settle because two of his coaches, Papi Zothwane and Solomon Mathe are from Vaal.
“It was easy for me to adjust because I’m familiar with our coaches but this doesn’t make me relax but to work hard to reward them for the faith, they had in me. I think I’m one of the young players to play in this league and thanks to the senior players because they have been supportive of me.
“I really enjoy my football career in the short space of time I have been here at the club and everyone is supportive. The standard is very high here, especially professionalism in how things are done there is not much difference from where I come from. I will keep on working hard to reward those who believe in my talent,” he said.
Balakasi grew up at Kaizer Chiefs development before being promoted to the DStv Diski Challenge two seasons ago. He joined Kaizer Chiefs at the age of 16 from Nale Academy in Vanderbijlpark.
Balakasi was also the Gauteng Future Of Champs Club International Tournament Top Goal Scorer in 2019. He is part of the SA U/17 National Team that participated in the COSAFA U/17 Tournament held in Mozambique in 2017. Balakasi said that his biggest dream is to play for the u/23 national team and Bafana Bafana in the near future.
