After
three years of trying, Eric Nxumalo Secondary School from the Bohlabela Region
in Mpumalanga is through to the provincial finals of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe
Schools Cup.
“For
the past three years we have been eliminated at the regional stage of the
competition,” said coach, Simango Canon.
“This is a huge achievement for the school. We are looking forward to
competing and we hope that we continue winning,” he said.
Canon
believes tournaments like the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup are essential.
“Apart from the huge money that can be won to help with the upgrading of
schools, the kids come from rural areas and chances like these give them
exposure to scouts from big leagues, That’s why I tell them that every game
they play their need to excel because they never know who might be watching
them,” he said.
Team
captain, Manthabele Fumani’s love of the game started at 5 years old when he
would kick a ball around the dusty streets of Bohlabela. “We used to play just
to pass the time, we didn’t take it seriously.
My father used to come and play with us and teach us how to tackle and
he taught us how to do shibobo’s, show me your number and many more
tricks. He was my mentor in everything,
my academics, soccer and with personal problems, but sadly he died a few years
ago.”
Fumani
realises the importance of doing well academically. “I make sure that school
work comes first and soccer second. It’s sometimes hard to focus on two things
that mean the world to you, but I’m trying to balance the two. Especially now
that I’m in Grade 12 I need to focus my attention into my school work.”
As
far as the future is concerned, he dreams of a successful career as a
professional player. Then he would like to focus on building his community.
“For instance I would love to build a community library and multi-purpose
centre in the rural village where I live.”
