Shaka’s Head’s rising young soccer talent

Mnqobi Gumede from Shakashead is one of KZN’s rising talents in the world of soccer.

Only 12 years old, Mnqobi is already a part of the KZN Football Academy u/15 side, playing central striker.

“My favourite player has to be Paul Pogba”, the young striker told The Courier.

Mnqobi said that while his favourite South African team is Supersport United, he has bigger dreams than that for his own future.

“One day, I hope to be able to run onto the field for Barcelona.”

Coach Peter Hooper from Supersport United Soccer Schools (SSUSS) has been working with Mnqobi for the past seven years and will continue to do so after being appointed head coach for the u/15 KZN Football Academy.

The KZN Football Academy is the provincial academy for the South African Football Association (SAFA) in KZN.

In 2016 Mnqobi was the top goal scorer for the Supersport United Soccer Schools U13 team that was undefeated in 115 matches and won 12 competitions, including the SAFA Durban Central Football Association (DCFA) League and Cup and SAFA DCFA League KO Cup, three of the most sought after titles in KZN.

“Mnqobi is one of many players we have developed successfully,” said Hooper.

“He attended his first session more than seven years ago, arriving barefoot and in a vest. A lot of hard work, discipline and sacrifice has gone into developing Mnqobi, but it has paid off!”

Hooper said their goal is to eventually get Mnqobi playing for the KZN Academy in the Durban International U19 Football Tournament against teams like Aresenal, Fluminense, SA U19, Sporting Lisbon etc. when he is older.

After that, KZN Academy places players into teams in Europe through International Agent Jorge Mendes, head of Gestifute who represents such global talents as Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Experienced coaches, a unique syllabus and facilities are critical for player development,” Hooper believes.

“The facilities at Kings Park prescient will be world class and we will also be building a facility in Ballito to house SSUSS to develop grass roots players.”

Meanwhile Mnqobi is going from strength to strength, having contributed to the scoreboard in his team’s 5-2 victory against Jamarie Academy over the weekend.

Mnqobi is not the only person to be shining a light on KZN’s talent though, as coach Hooper was also recently awarded Coach of the Year for SSUSS, while his u/13 team was named Stream Team of the Year.

“SSUSS South Africa has more than 65 coaches, 4500 players and 22 teams, so for me to achieve this in the continent’s most successful soccer schools development organisation is a huge compliment”, said Hooper.

For more info on Supersport United Soccer Schools & KZN football Academy contact Peter on 062 258 4030 or visit their Facebook pages: KZN Football Academy and Supersport United Soccer Schools North Coast KZN.

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