Two local boys from Ikageng, Olwethu and Zenande Klaas are invited to play in the upcoming Friendship Games Youth Development and Exposure Tournament hosted by Growfit Academy. The tournament is set to take place in KwaZulu Natal from 28 June until 1 July and is intended to develop young players and give them exposure. It will also feature players from various age groups such as u11, u13, u15, u17 and u19.

Olwethu and Zenande’s soccer journey began when they asked their dad to buy them a ball and since they got it, they never stopped playing. They began playing at the age of 8 and 10 respectively and have previously both been scouted by Kaizer Chiefs. Olwethu will play in u17 while Zenande plays with u15 group.

The Klaas family first found out about the tournament from the coaches at the Prodigy Soccer School, a local youth football academy which the boys are part of. Nomsa Klaas, the mother of the two boys, says that she was excited when she found out about the invitation to play in the tournament. She hopes that the boys will make the most of the opportunity.

“I hope they get experience from playing with one of the best academies there and I hope they also enjoy the trip. It means a lot to them, as not every player is going so it is more of a privilege for them to be selected”. With scouts set to be present at the tournament, Olwethu and Zenande may get the opportunity to showcase their talents on a bigger stage.