Football player scores major goal for his dreams

Thato Lekgetho beams with pride after a memorable trip to the United Kingdom. The 17-year-old Dainfern College learner credits his love for football for what he has achieved to date.

He said he made it to Europe after his scholarship was signed by him for a college camp called Exact International to go to America in July last year.

The programme distinguishes the best amongst the best football players in high school to take them to highlight camps across the United States. The players will then be chosen by coaches from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Colleges.

The selection is based on their exceptional skills, talent, and dedication. Thato made it to the list and still pinches himself to believe he made it this far.

He said he was among the 350 players who participated in the international programme called Exact, “Upon arrival, we played many games while the coaches were watching. It was then announced they would take a team to England, and I was part of it.”

The selection process was not easy at all, “I had doubts that I would make it even though I performed at the all-stars game. It was only them who were eligible for the trip. I scored two goals in that game before it was announced that we made it.”

“I was very excited to be there. I prepared myself mentally and it was nice. We played against some of the best teams in the world, entering some of the best clubs in the world and trained with the college coaches. I learnt a lot from the coaches.”

He said what made the trip memorable for him, was how different the facilities and the training sessions are from South Africa.

“The players in the United Kingdom are very technical, composed, and very fit. So, it was very tough to play against them.”

When asked what is in store for him this year, he said he does not wish to reveal much but there is a certain team that is interested in him joining them.

“They are still in the second half of their season, so I don’t need to go there as a matter of urgency.”

Thato has always been the best player since he was young, he said, “I only remember the important goals I scored, for instance at school, I used to score in the final to win the game.”

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