Blackball United Football Club’s Kiro Abrams (15) and siblings Mikyln (14) and Zunaid Ground (16) are set to represent South Africa at the prestigious Mina Cup, a global youth tournament that has become a launching pad for emerging talent, in Dubai next month.

For the trio, the dream in no longer distant. It’s knocking.

The competition, founded in 2021 with the inaugural tournament stage in 2022, attracts elite academies and scouts from across the world, including representatives linked to European clubs, like French outfit Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with bases in the Middle East.

This is a rare chance for the trio to test themselves against high-level international opposition and potentially put their names on the radar of professional structures abroad.

According Blackball United coach Muzi Masuku, opportunities of this magnitude seldom come around, especially for youngsters from under-resourced communities.

Masuku said the Mina Cup is a platform that could change the trajectory of the youngsters’ football journeys and open doors far beyond Reiger Park.

“They have an opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage. In Dubai, a lot of European clubs, including PSG, have set up academies there because football is growing that side,” said Masuku.

While the AIM Project, an app that creates profiles for amateur footballers, has stepped in to cover the core travel costs, the players are unable to cover additional essentials such as toiletries, travel bags and pocket money needed to ensure the boys travel with dignity and confidence.

“Their parents are unemployed. I assisted them with school uniforms and books at the beginning of the year. As a club, we also ensure that sometimes we donate food for them. The club also provides soccer boots for them and we also arrange their transportation to and from matches or trials.

“We are pleading with the community to assist the boys with essentials like toiletries, travel bags and maybe pocket money. We want to make sure they leave here with crocs, slides and track pants. This is a great opportunity that will likely open doors for the players.”

The tournament takes place from April 1 to 5 at JA Sports Centre.

To help, contact Masuku on 073 906 9084.

Also Read: Boksburg North SAPS football team clinches victory at Top 8 tournament

Also Read: Legendary footballer Don Kitchenbrand (91) dies