With the help of their dedicated soccer coach, Thomas Kuka, two soccer players from the St Francis Bay Galaxy team, Sanele Peter and Abulele Silolo, have been selected to represent South Africa at the Manchester Cup in the United Kingdom.
According to Kuka, from Sea Vista, the St Francis Bay Galaxy team was established in 2011 to uplift the community, which has been plagued with various social issues and has left children vulnerable to all sorts of bad habits.
After working hard to train the soccer players on his team, he was elated when it was announced that at least two players were chosen for the Manchester Cup tournament.
“It is inspiring to achieve these great moments because it tells other kids that everything in life is possible. If you have had a bad upbringing, it does not necessarily mean you will suffer throughout your life because there will be happy moments in life for all of us,” said Kuka.
To raise the funds needed for their trip, Kuka posted online about the young soccer players’ need for financial assistance and recorded a video, which they sent to potential donors.
To their surprise, many people were willing to help, and they were able to raise the necessary funds they needed.
Both players have been selected for the u/21 team and will be travelling to the UK on October 3.
Peter, from Hankey, said that when he was chosen to represent the country, it was a dream come true as he had always wanted to visit the UK.
He said he hopes to be scouted by a professional soccer club and complete his tertiary education in the UK.
“My dream is to become a professional soccer player because this is what I love doing,” said Peter.
Silolo, from Sea Vista, said when it was confirmed that he had been chosen alongside his friend, Peter, he was in disbelief but also excited.
He said he hopes to gain vital experience during his trip and be scouted by a professional soccer club.
“My dream is to be a professional soccer player and represent my country as playing soccer is something that is close to my heart,” said Silolo.
Kuka said that he has continued to promote education among the players in his soccer team.
“My hope for these boys is that they always put their education first in everything they do. I also wish for them to fulfil their dreams of becoming professional soccer players or any other career they might be interested in,” said Kuka.
He said despite the soccer team’s financial difficulties, he continues to encourage the coaches who have joined his team to keep up their good work while he holds on to the hope that a good Samaritan will come to their aid.
