Manasoa dreams of playing in England
He was named the Benoni North Local Football Association's U17 player of the season.
Winter Roses FC midfielder Tshepiso Manasoa dreams of ticking off the Premier League in England from his bucket list by plying his trade for one of the teams in the English top flight.
Manasoa explained the league was the best in the world because it lures the world’s most talented players.
“I want to see myself play professionally. I work hard on the field and at school. If all goes well, I would like to play in the Premier League,” he said.
The 16-year-old was named the U17 player of the season at the Benoni North Local Football Association (BNLFA)’s junior league prize-giving on November 24 at Sinaba Stadium.
“The season had its ups and downs, but we pushed on. Fire Argentina FC gave us a tough time throughout the campaign, but unity and persistence were our weapons.
“I’m happy to have won. It was a good season for me and my teammates. We also saw a lot of talented players in my division, so it means a lot that they chose me.”
The attacker said the match that defined their season was their come-from-behind win against Martial Eagles Academy.
“We were trailing 1-0 for much of the game. Martial threw everything at us, and it looked like we would lose, but we were patient and ended up winning 3-1,” Manasoa said.
Winter Roses was crowned the U17 division champions, walking away with the league title, a new kit, 25 medals, 10 training balls and a set of training cones.
Second-placed Fire Argentina received 25 silver medals, a kit, five training balls and a set of cones.
Delight Ubissi was the division’s top goal-scorer, while Thapelo Sekete was named coach of the season. Siyabonga Xaba was named the upcoming referee of the year.
Home Sweepers FC won the U13 and U15 leagues, with Zebras FC second in the U13 and Fire Argentina runners-up in the U15 league.
BNLFA president Mthunzi Nxumalo said this was their best season since he took over the reins.
“We had 80 teams competing in the various divisions. It was the greatest season we’ve ever had. Thanks to Shepherds FC for sponsoring the awards,” he said.
“We hope next year the association grows. We are busy with an important project to uplift ladies’ football with the start of a women’s league.”
Nxumalo explained that Daveyton was still a fertile ground for PSL teams to scout for players despite ex-professionals from the community tainting its image with their off-field antics.
“We still produce top players, but the stats are not public. Many children from this league are part of the SAFA School of Excellence, and we have a few in the DStv Diski Challenge.
“The standard is still top. We want these players to see the importance of such leagues instead of community tournaments. That’s why we are always looking for sponsors,” said Nxumalo.
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