It
was a dream that almost did not come true for young Mthunzi Dlamini, who will
captain the Sinamuva under-12 football team in Poland in September when they
compete in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals.
“At
8 years old my class teacher, Mr Khoane Khonza, asked me to join Tastic FC, a
local amateur football club in Imbali Township near Pietermaritzburg which he
had just started. I had never played the game before so my first day was
terrible. I didn’t understand the game and was embarrassed in front of
the other players so a couple of days later I quit,” said Dlamini.
But
what Khonza saw that day was enough for him to realise that this youngster had
ball skills that could result in him being a fine footballer.
“Fortunately Mr Khonza didn’t give up on me and two months later he started a
school football team and asked me to join as a goalkeeper, which I did and have
never looked back. I am now 11 years old and a midfielder and
captain. I am also able to play with both feet and am good at crosses.
”
Dlamini
has lived with his aunt, Sibongile Shelembe, and cousin since 6 years
old. His dream is to be a pilot one day so for him the plane trip to
Poland is as important to him as the football. “My aunt has sacrificed a
lot for me and I know that education is important to her so this is my focus at
the moment. My class teacher, Mrs Thabisile Gabuza is my role model and she
monitors my school work to make sure that I don’t fall behind.”
Coach
Khonza is the youngster’s motivator. “He always tells us to dream big and
that there is more to life and we must embrace opportunities that come our way
and in this case it is the Danone Nations Cup experience.”
Sinamuva
Public Primary School attended a training session by ex Bafana Bafana and
Kaizer Chiefs captain and Danone Nations Cup South Africa ambassador, Neil
Tovey.
The
Danone Nations Cup World Final is the biggest football tournament for children
between the ages of 10 and 12 in the world. Since its inception in 2000
it has touched the lives of over 25 million people with the aim of bringing
health through food and sport to millions of kids throughout the world. From
just 8 participating countries the tournament has grown to now accommodate 40.
South
Africa is the only country to have won the tournament three times: 2003,
2007 and 2009.
“Danone
has built the tournament on four fundamental pillars: fair play,
openness, accessibility and passion for the game,” said Sandra Dorville,
Communications Manager, Danone Southern Africa. “Through the Danone
Nations Cup we promote healthy habits and encourage the youth to believe in
their dreams.”
The
new away jersey and extended line of supporters gear is available at all Nike
Stores and leading retailers.
