Tembisa teen chosen for School of Excellence

A Tembisa teenager is starting a new year with new friends in a new environment at the Transnet Football School of Excellence.

Innocent Ntlhane (13) is among the learners selected to attend the school, where he and his peers will receive a comprehensive education that emphasises academic skills, life skills and football development.

According to the South African Football Association (Safa) website, the school identifies talented young football players from rural and underprivileged communities and prepares them for a professional career on the football field.

“In the winter of 2016 Innocent started doing trials at Safa and he made it through the first stage,” said Innocent’s father, Abel Khunou.

“He thereafter survived the subsequent cut-offs four times, and as a result he got shortlisted to attend the Transnet-Football School of Excellence camp, which is a talent scout camp.

“The camp ran from November 30 to December 4.”

Innocent said he was very happy to hear the news and immediately saw his chance of becoming a professional football player.

“At first I was scared when I got to the camp. I met talented young players of different nationalities.

“The trials were not as tough as I expected,” he said. “I got relaxed and showcased my football skills and after that I had to wait for a phone call for the results.”

When Safa called his father with the results, Innocent was speechless and could not believe it.

“I was very happy knowing that I will be attending the School of Excellence as of January 15, immediately after the holidays.

“I want to thank my father for all the support.”

Asked what his secret was, Innocent said young players must respect the sport they play and never undermine people on their way up in their career.

Khunou said he is very happy for his son’s fortune and wished him good luck with laying a solid foundation for his future.