A 24-year-old Lower Crossroads football player is appealing to the community to assist him realise his Spanish football dream.
Abongile Sobantu has been invited for trials at Madrid in Spain next month. He is expected to jet off on Tuesday 6 September and return on Friday 16 September.
However, his dream hangs in the balance as he struggles to raise the necessary funds. “The total amount of money that is needed is R37 000 which includes flight tickets, accommodation, food, transport, passport, visa application, agency attire, flight insurance and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test,” said Sobantu.
The Red Lion Football Club player is among 16 players that were selected during the trials organised by BT Football Recruitment Agency in Milnerton in March.
BT Football Recruitment Agency’s mission is to identify talented football players all around Africa as well as to provide players with opportunities at professional football clubs in Africa and abroad.
The attacking midfielder stated that it is his dream to play professional football and cited that playing abroad will be cherry on top.
“This is not only about me, but also about my community as well. And playing overseas can change my life and my family too. I want to be a good example and give hope to other football players in my community,” he said, adding that he is desperate to go to Spain.
He said they have five matches that they are going to play with different teams in Spain.
Red Lion coach Shakes Ntombana described Sobantu as a great player, saying he is ready to display his talent on a bigger stage.
“Sobantu has all the capabilities to be a great professional footballer. He previously played for Old Mutual Academy and Chippa United U19,” he said. Ntombana stated that people can donate whatever they have just to make Sobantu’s dream to be successful.
Anyone who wants to donate can contact Sobantu on 069 362 4685.