Players dream of playing in the big league
Players have great potential but are unable to progress without proper sponsorships.
While there is no shortage of soccer talent in the Emjindini township, the reality is that they lack the equipment and funding for players to go anywhere beyond the local football association grounds.
According to founder and coach of Barcelona 2022, Lungile “Mambush” Mokone, his soccer players have great potential but are unable to progress without proper sponsorships.
Mambush formed his team in 2012 and it’s currently competing under the Umjindi Local Football Association development leagues. His team of 28 soccer players compete in the u/13 and u/15 categories.
“My intention is to produce at least one player who will represent Bafana Bafana in the 2022 Soccer World Cup hence naming the team Barcelona 2022. The passion is here, the talent is here, and all the players need is a chance,” said Mambush.
He said they accommodated boys aged 10 to 17. He said to accommodate the club’s growth and replace worn field equipment, they were seeking for corporate and private sponsors.
He said any form of donations would be used to replace worn equipment. “We have already produced some youngsters who are on the verge of being selected to represent Mpumalanga in the u/14 and u/17 categories. If we can do it with virtually no sponsorship, what can be achieved if we had equipment and proper soccer boots, training cons, soccer balls and decent soccer kits,” he said.
He added that soccer was more than just a sport. “It can literally save a life. The team and the local development league have been a lifeline to many children who have led troubled lives and might have dropped out of school if it weren’t for soccer. Not only has our team kept them in schools, but it also kept their grades up.”
Mambush say any community partners willing to support Barcelona 2022 can contact him directly on 084-609-7698.
