Local star makes it to Sundowns
KwaThema - After playing for Ace Auto Ayoba FC for two and a half years, local teen Thabang Sibanyoni (19) has been selected to play for Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
Coach and technical director of the Ayoba-Yo-Youth Soccer Academy, Innocent Mayoyo says the lad was discovered by Mamelodi Sundowns FC while playing for Ace Auto Ayoba FC in the ABC Motsepe Club.
“So far we have played 14 matches in the ABC Motsepe League and Sibanyoni has scored 14 goals.
“Through his excellent performance in the league, the Sundowns Scouting Department started enquiring about him early November last year.
“They then started to track him (coming to watch his soccer matches) and afterwards, called him for three day trials in early December at Pretoria, where Sundowns has their academy,” says Mayoyo.
He adds that after it was established that the team would be taking Sibanyoni, they were able to secure a bursary for him so he can go and study at the Clapham High School as he is doing matric this year.
The soccer star has already left to join his new team where he will be starting to play in the Multi Choice Diski Challenge and still in the ABC Motsepe League under Sundowns.
“As part of his celebration send-off, on Sunday January 24, Sundowns will be coming with their u/13, u/15, u/17 and the Multi Choice divisions, to play with the Ace Auto Ayoba divisons at the KwaThema Stadium.
“The lad also played his last game with his local team mates on Sunday, before he left on Monday for the start of the new academic year.
“We wish him well and hope that this will motivate other children in the area to work hard,” says Mayoyo.
Sibanyoni says he is happy with the new development and he thanks everyone who has helped him to get to where he is today.
