Siphelele Nketo
THE Tshakumani Foundation in the Umzimvubu area has travelled to Durban with 26 U19 footballers for a tour that aims to bridge the gap between talent and professional opportunity.
The young football players were selected during last year’s tournament in the village of Ngxabaxha.
According to foundation spokesperson Malwande Sicwala, 46 young footballers were initially selected, but the number was later reduced to a 26-player squad.
Since 2020 the foundation has been hosting village tournaments. Last year, the foundation decided to elevate its vision by supporting young soccer players from grassroots level to create pathways to access professional opportunities.
Sicwala said travelling with the squad on Monday, April 20, to Durban was a way to give them the experience of playing against teams in the Premier Soccer League.
“The squad played against Premier Soccer League teams such as AmaZulu City FC and Durban City FC. This was an opportunity to showcase their abilities at a higher level of competition,” he stated.
He added that the initiative highlights the importance of partnerships between municipalities, development organisations and the broader football fraternity in unlocking opportunities for youth.
Umzimvubu Local Municipality mayor Zukuswa Ndevu said that this exposure not only presents a potential pathway into professional football but serves as a motivation for young people within the municipality to actively participate in sport and pursue their talents with dedication.
The squad is scheduled to return home on Sunday, April 26.
