Socca Dream to make future stars’ dreams come true
The youngster said his hunger for the game is what got him the sponsor.
Local future soccer stars could see their dreams of playing abroad or in the professional leagues coming true. This has been made possible by the Socca Dream International, which plans to host soccer clinics in September where local talent will be unearthed from all parts of the country.
Socca Dream is an international football scouting agency that aims at helping upcoming footballers get life-changing opportunities abroad.
Bafana Bafana and Zhejiang Greentown FC striker, Dino Ndlovu is the ambassador of this initiative.
First to be selected to participate in the Socca Dream Football Clinic that will take place in Sandton in September is Nhlakanipho Shongwe who has expressed his joy and gratitude after receiving the nod and sponsorship.
Shongwe, 21, is one of 10 players that have been sponsored by the Socca Dream ambassador and Zhejiang Greentown FC striker Dino Ndlovu.
In an emotional interview, Nhlakanipho revealed how his dream was made a reality.
“I was inspired to contact Dino Ndlovu and Socca Dream the moment I saw a Socca Dream article in the newspaper from a close friend.
“I immediately walked to the library and did some research on the Socca Dream programme and after reading about the programme, I sent an email to them. The response didn’t even take a lot of time and I received documentations to fill in and a brochure,” he said.
“While reading the brochure I learned that each player has a certain fee to pay to be enrolled and accepted. At first I was heartbroken when I found out about the fees, knowing the situation going on at home,” Shongwe continued.
The youngster said his hunger for the game is what got him the sponsor.
“I spoke to my friend and told her about the fees and she advised me to get a sponsor. I applied to many companies for sponsorship without any success.
“Everything changed when I spoke to my mother and told her about the Socca Dream programme. She told me to send an email to the organisers of Socca Dream and explain my situation.
“I sent an email to them and a separate one to Dino Ndlovu on Instagram requesting help with my problem and the rest is history,” he went on.
“I believe Socca Dream is creating and opening opportunities for young soccer players that are unknown. My goals now are to go there and learn more from expert coaches that will be coaching us and apply the knowledge and skills given to my football. I believe that I’m good at what I do but every good player has a good coach and when a good player and a good coach are put together, you’ll get an excellent partnership,” Shongwe concluded.
