OLD Trafford, the home ground of Premier League side, Manchester United, is often referred to as the ‘theatre of dreams’, and come the last day of the season, a Somerset Park resident will be living out her dream. Sohalia Akkiah, a Grade 3 pupil at La Lucia Junior Primary, will be travelling with her dad, Puvendra, to Manchester after being chosen as the winner of a Manchester United Supporters’ Club of South Africa competition.

She will spend four days in the north-east of the country with Mancunians as well as other global supporters of the club. Included in the prize is a tour of the hallowed grounds of the 20-time league champs. She will also be in attendance for United’s last home game of the season against Bournemouth. Her name will also be shown on the score-board at half time.

“I’m so excited, I can’t wait. My dad woke me up when he found out we had won and I thought I was in a dream. I’m looking forward to learning some of the songs and I hope to see my favourite player, Juan Mata,” the eight-year-old said.

Her dad, Puvendra, who has been a member of the SA Reds for the past 15 years but also a a lifelong supporter, said he’d never won anything in the past.

“We are all excited about the journey, as Sohalia will also get a chance to take in the sights and sounds of London. I was surprised when the phone call came through at about 9pm.

“They said Sohalia had won the ticket and I immediately went up to her room and woke her up. In her excitement she went across and gave her grandparents the amazing news. I’ve been a lifelong supporter of the club and have always admired their style of play, and this is a dream come true for me too,” he said.