THE Lady Frere Sports Legends is delighted to announce the beginning of a new era in Cape Town for three of Chris Hani District’s most promising youngsters.
The players, Javian Rooi (17) from Maria Louw High School in Komani, Luxolo Mase (17) from Mhlontlo and Zukhanye Duba (17) from Freemantle, started training with the Nova Nacional development team last week.
All players underwent trials last year and were signed by Ajax Cape Town, but will be developed by Nova Nacional while Ajax will monitor their progress.
Lady Frere Sports Legends chairperson, Zuko Mlandu, was happy to see the players finally getting the opportunity they have been waiting for.
“This is a happy moment for us as the foundation, to see the smiles of these boys and their parents. We started this programme and our aim is to make sure that the region produces top quality players and I am sure this programme will continue to unearth massive talent in our region,” said a happy Mlandu.
All three players had already found schools in Cape Town. Mase is doing Grade 10 at Hector Peterson High School; Duba is in Masibambane High School, where he is in Grade 11; while Rooi is attending Kuils-river Technical School.
The players will also get the opportunity to play in one of the biggest football development tournaments in the Southern Hemisphere, The Bay Hill Premier Cup.
A number of Premier Soccer League and national team regulars all got their start in the cup.
Players like Benni McCarthy, Shaun Permall, Ayanda Patosi and Thulani Serero have all taken part in this tournament.
“Let me thank the legends that have delivered on this programme.
“It is encouraging to notice that we have matured in trying to develop our community.
“It is also proper that I thank the sponsors, Chris Hani District and Emalahleni Local Municipality for their selfless contribution towards developing these kids,” concluded Mlandu.
