Local soccer boys get their kicks in the pro ranks

FROM the fields of Empangeni High School to playing professional soccer in Portugal in his matric year – that’s the success story of Sanele Nene.

And he is not the only budding Diego Costa to emerge from the EHS ranks.

Thanks to committed coaches, a supportive school and generous sponsorship from Spar’s Harry Giannacopoulos, Boyzie Ndwandwe is also plying his trade in the pro ranks.

Sanele’s talent was soon spotted as he moved quickly through the age groups at school and club level.

Taking the advice of school coach Mr Biyela while still under 15, he joined the U19 ranks and soon became a solid rock at the heart of the school’s defence, especially from 2014 to 2016.

He was named captain of the first team in 2015, leading his team to the provincial semi-finals of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Under 19 Schools Tournament.

Sanele was selected by the KZN Academy Under 19 at the age of 16 where he was involved in the Durban International Tournament in 2014.

He continued in 2015 to represent the KZN Academy well, and he was named the captain of the side in 2016.

‘Sanele was a very worried, yet very excited, young man when he got the news that he had to travel to Portugal for trials,’ said EHS PRO Julie da Silva.

‘He was worried about his Grade 12 exams that were close by, but left anyway and was selected by Sociedade 1 Dezembro after impressing the selectors with his abilities.

‘Arrangements were then made by the school, KZN Academy and the Department of Education in KZN that Sanele writes his exams at the SA Embassy in Portugal.

‘Exam papers were sent via courier services to Portugal, and exam scripts back to the marking centre every day of the exam.

‘Sanele passed with Bachelor’s endorsement, despite him writing in a foreign country.

‘He is doing well there and he has been promoted to the first team where he has also established himself, scoring important goals for the team.’

Another home town star

Velemseni Boyzie Ndwandwe started playing soccer for Empangeni High School’s first team at the age of 15 in 2011.

He was promoted after one season in the under 14 age group owing to his exceptional ball skills and football intelligence.

He played a massive role, as a number 10, in the 2012 first team that won two of the most prestigious schools trophies in Zululand.

He was again instrumental in 2013 when EHS won all four tournaments offered in Zululand.

He was subsequently voted Player of the Season and was the top goal scorer in 2013.

‘Boyzie represented the KZN U19 team that went on tour to Gauteng in 2013 and again the following year,’ said Julie.

‘He made the final KZN Academy squad and participated in the Durban International Tournament held in 2014.

‘He captained the EHS first team in 2014 and they won two trophies. He was named Man of the Tournament in the eShowe 7-a-side Tournament in 2014.

Boyzie completed his studies with Varsity College in Durban after leaving Empangeni to play for Durban FC in 2015.

He is now playing professionally in the PLS for Golden Arrows FC.

‘Both these boys’ way to the top was never easy though,’ said Julie.

‘Many people made significant contributions in ensuring they are where they are today.

‘Their team coaches, Botsotso Mpanza for Boyzie and Nunu Mtshali for Sanele, and their first team coach Mr BI Biyela always ensured that they are at the right place at the right time for their talent to be accessible to scouts.’

A big thank you goes to Harry Giannacopoulos from Spar who, through Julie da Silva, sponsored their trip to represent KZN in the Gauteng Tour in 2014, giving the boys every opportunity to progress.

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