Young soccer players from Ntshawini are hoping to catch the attention of scouts when they compete in the annual Inkunzi Youth Soccer Tournament in Durban later this month.

Thandanani Football Club’s U15 team will take part in the four-day tournament at Adams Mission from November 26 to 29.

Coach Siphesihle Mthembu said the club was determined to help its players pursue their dreams of playing professional soccer, despite limited resources.

“Ntshawini is a crime-ridden township, and running this football club is one of the ways we are trying to keep our children off the streets,” said Mthembu.

“That is why we put together the little money we have to enter them into tournaments like this, where they can display their talent and hopefully get selected,” he said.

Mthembu hopes the experience of playing against teams from outside their community will help the youngsters improve their game and open doors to bigger clubs.

Thandanani Football Club trains at the Ntshawini sports field every afternoon on weekends and also plays matches on weekends.