Hlonela Sitenge has been elected head learner at Somerset Private School for 2022 – much to the delight and congratulations of the Young Bafana Academy.
For Hlonela, a member of Young Bafana Soccer Academy for the past six years, it has been an achievement against all odds.
On his first day at SWPS in Grade 8, he saw the merit list and past pupil head leaders and told himself that one day his name would be on that board. “How prophetic those words have become,” comments coach Graham Knott.
“Somerset West Private School very kindly offered him a scholarship based on his excellent education history, and Young Bafana secured the additional sponsors to cover the additional expenses.”
What made this achievement so remarkable is the fact that Hlonela hails from the local Lwandle township where he stays with older and younger siblings. His mom stays on a local farm where she is employed and comes home only over weekends and there is no adult supervision at home during the week.
In addition a wall separates Hlonela’s home from the Umtata Night Club, which pumps out load music 24/7, making studying and concentration very difficult. Until fairly recently he did not have a laptop or a desk and had to do his homework on his lap.
On how he completed his assignments with no laptop Hlonela says: “Oh, I just ask my sister to look up the info during her lunch hour at work, which she then photographs and sends a WhatsApp with the info to me.”
Despite this, he has consistently remained an A-grade learner every year.
The determination and focus he has shown, coupled with his drive and hard work ethic, has spurned him on to succeed where others would have thrown in the towel.
Hlonela loves football, but was prepared to sacrifice playing on a regular basis because he was at school every day until 17.00.
A young intern at Young Bafana was very impressed on meeting Hlonela, and remarked, “Wow! This guy knows everything”, promptly giving him the nickname “Prof”. The name stuck, and he is a household name wherever he goes.
“Prof” has shown a maturity way beyond his years, and his ever smiling, friendly and engaging personality and impeccable manners seems set to ensure a very bright future. “We at Young Bafana are very proud of Prof and salute his amazing journey – a fine example to aspiring young people,” said Knott. “We would also like to thank all the people involved in helping Prof achieve his dream of a very good education to help support his family in future.”
