Training camp for promising youngsters

Mamelodi Sundowns has selected 24 of the most talented players from the Sanlam Kay Motsepe School Cup final for a further developmental training camp.

The training camp is being hosted at the club’s Chloorkop headquarters between 28 November and 5 December.

One of those selected is Siyabonga Masinga, a 19-year-old central mid-fielder who is in Grade 11 at Tholokuhle High School in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

“I have never attended trials or a camp before so this is a first for me,” said Masinga.

“I knew that scouts would be at the nationals and selecting a squad to attend trials, so prior to leaving KZN, I decided that my primary goal was to be selected for this camp and I put in 110 percent effort in every game I played and it has paid off.

“When the Sundowns scout and my team manager asked if I would be interested in coming through, I agreed on the spot. It’s every players dream to be invited to attend a camp that is hosted by a professional team – especially when it’s Mamelodi Sundowns. The team is known to produce great players, I want to be associated with that team.”

Only four players from Tholokuhle were selected for the training camp and they are all looking forward to learning new tactics and techniques at the camp.

“As a player you need to always develop your skills and I think that’s what they will be teaching us during the camp,” Masinga said.

“At the end of it all I will be selected to be part of their Youth Academy, it would be an honour to be a part of Sundowns. I know that their players get the best of everything in terms of training and nutrition, which are key in a player’s development.”

For Masinga, Themba Zwane is his favourite Sundowns player. “He is an incredible player, I would one day love to play just like him,” he said.

“If we do get an opportunity to interact with the first team, I would definitely want to speak to him and pick his brain a little.”