Hero’s welcome for Wentworth Olympian
"Ignore everything bad that's going on around you. Focus on your life." - Deolin Mekoa
IT was a proud day for Wentworth Secondary as it welcomed home soccer star Deolin Mekoa who took the time to visit his old school on Friday, 26 August.
Hundreds of pupils celebrated their hero who just returned from Rio, Brazil where he was part of the national soccer Olympic squad.
While Team South Africa’s soccer stars did not make it past the preliminaries, Mekoa said it was a great learning experience for him and the Bafana Bafana team.
The right winger was humbled by the warm welcome and the presentation of gifts from the school. “I’m happy to be here. It’s such an honour to be with the children and with my former teachers. I did not expect my life to take this wondrous turn so fast. I have worked so hard to fulfill my dreams. I am now part of the national team and I’m so happy,” he said.
Growing up in Wentworth, Mekoa could easily have been trapped by the social ills such as drugs, gangs, and poverty but thanks to the amazing support of his family, soccer became his way out. He urged the youth to follow their dreams and ignore everything bad that’s going on around them. “Focus on your life. I told myself everyday to work harder, push harder and play every game like it’s my last. It’s not where you come from that defines you, it’s how you play the game,” he said.
Avid supporters of the youngster had plenty to say during the special assembly. Fairvale Secondary soccer coach, Steven Pasha praised the soccer player for going against all odds. “He is a hero and a role model for the children of Wentworth and I’m proud of him, I’m proud to be a part of his story,” said Pasha.
Celebrations followed on Saturday, 27 August when the community paraded through the area, honouring the Olympian and wishing him the best for his future.
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