Opportunity for talented trio to join football Academy

For one young player to catch the eye of a talent scout is a big deal, but imagine the huge impact when three players impress during a scouting outing.

That is exactly what happened when three promising football players from Tshwaragano All-Stars in Kimberley recently returned home after being part of a trial camp at the Prestige Football Development Academy in Johannesburg.

The three youngsters, Jayden Buffel, Lesego Moitsemang, and Tumelo Kopelwa received the invitation after the academy visited the City on a scouting mission back in September. The players, who had been trained and developed under the wing of manager and coach Roger Semeri and the club’s technical staff, impressed the visitors from Gauteng so much that they were invited to the Academy.

The trial camp at Johannesburg’s Prestige Football Development Academy ran from December 5 to December 10, and the three youngsters were chosen for an extended run and more in-depth development run after impressing during the camp.

And for the young players there is a lot to look forward to. The academy is interested in discovering young talent, long-term player development, which includes continuous technical skill improvement and expanded soccer knowledge, as well as the personal and social development of the young people as part of their transition into professional soccer players.

This means that by concentrating on the fundamental technical and tactical concepts of the game of soccer, the academy focuses on major player development to guarantee that the players are capable of playing at the premier or senior level for national and international clubs.

Grade 11 learner Jayden Buffel expressed his gratitude for the significant opportunity he is receiving. “I loved being a part of the tryout, and everyone at the academy was quite kind,” he remarked. He told the DFA that were it up to him, he would like to be scouted and recruited by Super Sport United since that is the team he would like to play for.

Lesego Moitsemang, who is a Grade 10 learner also expressed his gratitude, with a tinge of trepidation, for the chance. “I am a little anxious about going to Johannesburg and abandoning my school and parents, but I’ll meet new friends at the new school,” he said. He added that, since Chiefs are his favourite team, he would like to play for them in the future.

Tumelo, who is still in Grade 8, told the DFA that the trial camp was “excellent” and that he had a great time. “This is a significant opportunity for us, and I’m grateful I was selected,” he said. “My family is going to be extremely missed,” he added. Tumelo also said that if all goes well, he would like to play for the Buccaneers one day.

Neville Molatlhwe, Lesego’s father and the boys’ mentor, expressed his joy over the opportunity at the lads’ feet. “Children don’t often get opportunities like this,” he said, adding, “Soccer isn't everything; they should put their education first and then offer everything they’ve got when it comes to soccer.”

The Tshwaragano All-Stars coach Semeri said that he is very proud of these three boys. “They need to go out and make their team proud, stay focused, and be disciplined. Hard work pays off in the end.”

One remaining hurdle remaining for this talented trio is that with them having to relocate to Johannesburg at such short notice, plans for their schooling have been thrown into disarray. As can be expected resources, financial and otherwise, are needed to assist them in pursuing their educational and football dreams.

To that end, if there are any individuals, companies or businesses that are able to give these players a boost, they can contact the boys’ parents directly to discuss possible ways of extending a helping hand.

Jayden’s parents are Yolande Buffel can be contacted on 076 956 4140, and Richard Buffel on 063 718 9049.

Lesego’s parents Neville Molatlhwe 073 316 8820 and Portia Moitsemang 073 6307 510.

Tumelo’s folks are Same Kopelwa 067 762 9898 and Olebogeng Modise 072 018 0225.