Selfless South Africans can help raise funds that will see a formidable aspiring footballer, Lindokuhle Ngema (18) realise his dream of playing soccer abroad.
R40 000 currently stands between his first love and dream to showcase his football talent in front of international scouts, professional clubs and agents across Europe.
He was selected in a lifetime opportunity among 18 other footballers in South Africa to embark on The Football Project second exhibition tour next year.
“The opportunity to be chosen for the European tour really cements everything. It feels like I am much closer to the goal and it’s not just a dream anymore.
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“My biggest wish since I was young was to become an acclaimed football player and make the country proud. I see the hard work we have been putting in over the years and mine is to grab this opportunity with both hands,” he told Urban News.
Ngema who is currently a matriculate at Altmont Technical School, Protea South came to Johannesburg when he was only 12-years-old and has since then lived in a football academy with a dream of one day breaking into the football industry.
He was scouted by officials of The Football Project during provincial football trials after showcasing his impressive skill and ball control last year in September and proceeded to the December trial camp workshops.
“My love for football started from a young age in kwaMashu where I grew up. There was a popular playing ground called Number 7 Where we loved going there to play. In kwaMashu there were a number of stars who played in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) that we looked up to.
“I always troubled them and would run to the soccer grounds despite their disapproval and I would get punished for it until the founder of Double Classic came and said he was interested in developing me in the sport.”
He cited that football and the academy has built him a lot of discipline and structure, emphasizing on respect off and on the field. He told the publication that he was interested in pursuing engineering as a backup career path.
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According to Ngema, the R40 000 including flights, accommodation, training base, meals among others for a duration of 10 days was required upfront in order for him to be able to travel abroad. He needs to have raised the money by the end of January 2024.
Double Classic founder, Vincent Ngcobo said the opportunity would be a major breakthrough for the young player.
“I am happy and I am certain that it will also inspire other players from our academy. That determination and hard work will always get you to the right place.
“We wish to support him but the financial muscle is what we don’t have, as we don’t have sponsorship. We are appealing to the spirit of charity from our South Africans sport fans to assist him achieve his dram.”
For more information, Contact Vincent Ngcobo on 081 063 8860.
