Local soccer player expresses gratitude to his grandmother
He aims to ensure all of his ambitions are realised through discipline and dedication.
Thabo Mokwana, also known on the pitch as Hlanganisa, was inspired to focus more on his career by his grandmother, Johanna Mokwana, who bought him his first pair of soccer boots.
The 23-year-old began playing soccer when he was eight years old in the streets of his neighbourhood of Temong Section.
He was later recruited by a local soccer team known as Fannie Movers FC and since then, he has developed strategies he believes will aid him to develop his soccer abilities and career.
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“I do not believe I would be here today if it was not for my grandmother’s encouragement and drive. She never gave up on me, and I believe it is because she knew how brilliant I am at football. She has seen me play throughout my childhood,” Mokwana said.
He said his entire family contributed to his soccer career advancement because of how strict they raised him and all the support they provided.
“Every child or soccer player requires a solid support system since success depends on it in some way. A supportive family or community helps one to be more confident with their skill. Knowing that there are people out there who support me made everything easier for me.”
Mokwana has played for a variety of teams throughout his career, including Mthata City FC, Tornado FC, Polokwane City, Orbit College Football Club and Shumba Academy, which provided him with the opportunity to play in an u-19 tournament in Cape Town.
The local soccer player is a midfielder for Polokwane City FC and he described his experience with the team as one that motivates him to show off his soccer skills at every opportunity he has on the field.
“It is a great experience to be able to play for one of the well-known soccer teams in the country, and I believe all of this is due to grace and hard work, which is why I will not trade the passion I have for the game for anything,” he said.
One of his long-term goals for his career is to play for abroad teams such as France or Turkey. He aims to ensure all of his ambitions are realised through discipline and dedication.
“Throughout my career, I have never let anyone tell me I am not good enough because I believe in my abilities and work extra hard to achieve whatever I put my mind to.”
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