A young footballer’s dream to play professional soccer hangs in the balance, although he has already earned a ticket to stardom.
Zamokuhle Ntlanga (17) from Makhaza is searching for assistance for his stay in Johannesburg, after being chosen to study and play at Double Classic Academy in Gauteng.
He was chosen through trials when the academy visited Mandela Park last year. He then went to Johannesburg for further trials in December, and that is where he earned himself a spot at the academy.
However, his unemployed mother, Nontombi Mfengu (39), says she simply cannot cope with the demand to keep Zamokuhle in Johannesburg. The single mother of three is now appealing to Good Samaritans to help her son realise his dream.
Mfengu says she has to pay a monthly accommodation, transport and toiletry fee money. This has made things difficult for her. “Each month I have to pay R2 000, and he still needs soccer boots and shin guards,” she said. “On top of that, he still needs toiletries and the load is too heavy for my shoulders.”
In January alone Mfengu had to pay R5 100. “I want my son to realise his dream and I had to use my savings to cover those costs,” she said. “My son loves soccer so much. Local teams used to fight over him. He sleeps and eats soccer and this at some point even affected his school work.”
Mfengu said she would often argue with her son after she realised soccer affected her studies. She said: “I know he loves soccer, but I still want him to have a balance in life. What if he gets injured? I know he is very passionate about football and it has taken him off the street.”
Mfengu says her younger son, Kwakhanya Mfengu (14), was also meant to travel to Johannesburg, but she could not allow both her children to go.
“I just could not let two of my children go to Johannesburg on their own. I need to see how this one does, and also look at the issue of financing regarding their travelling.
“As a parent I appeal to any Good Samaritan to help my son realise his dream of football while he also takes care of his studies. I will appreciate any kind of help.”
Ntlanga, who plays left wing, told City Vision he would like to see himself playing in overseas leagues such as the La Liga in Spain. “Ndimnandi kakhulu grootman,” he says with a shy smile.