Soccer enthusiast, Meshack Masuku (57), took on a one-man feat along the R40 in Mbombela, walking 7.5km while freestyling soccer moves.

The aim was to keep the ball on his feet without letting it touch the ground.

The event took place on December 11, starting at 11:05 from Chery Nelspruit and reaching Mediclinic Nelspruit shortly after 13:00.

The slow lane on the R40 was partially closed to accommodate the attempt.

He initially planned to take short breaks during the undertaking. However, his core strength allowed him to finish the challenge without breaks. He was accompanied by traffic officers, Emer-G-Med, Mpumalanga Emergency Medical Services and a variety of sponsors.

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Masuku originally from Marite, said he played soccer from a young age and wanted to be a star.

Having never fulfilled his dream of becoming a famous soccer player, he pursued this endeavour to build a name for himself.

“I did this to show youngsters that anything they set their minds to is possible. There are a lot of opportunities now that young people from rural areas can tap into, that simply weren’t available when I was growing up,” he said.

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The mastermind behind this initiative is Dominic Hlophe, a local artist known as Dominic the Poet.

Hlophe said he used to watch Masuku play soccer in his free time at the Mbombela Taxi Rank. Masuku guards the trailer section at the rank.

“I always see him play with the ball and showing off his freestyles, but he has never gotten some recognition. I approached him with the idea and he excitedly agreed. I did this to appreciate his talent,” Hlophe said.

Masuku trended on various social media platforms, with most people applauding him for taking on this feat.