Teenager surprised by his favorite soccer team

Any football fan would be thrilled if they had the opportunity to meet the entire Orlando Pirates team and watch them train for a match. That is exactly what 13-year-old Happy Tswangae from Potchefstroom recently experienced at the Rand Stadium in Soweto when Reach For A Dream granted his greatest wish.

The teen is battling Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks tissues, causing inflammation and organ damage. While there is no cure, intensive medical treatment can help to man-age his symptoms. As a football fanatic and Orlando Pirates super-fan, Happy has always dreamt of meeting the Bucs, and his hero, Thembinkosi Lorch.

On his dream day, he received the biggest surprise when Reach For A Dream, South Africa’s leading non-profit organisation that fulfils the dreams of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, whisked him and his family to the stadium to watch Orlando Pirates train for an upcoming game.

After the session, Happy was invited onto the field to meet the team and shake hands with his idol. He is still in disbelief that he got to experience one of his biggest dreams. “The best part was when I realised it was just me and my family with the team in the entire stadium. What a special moment,” he said.

“The moment I entered the stadium felt like I was daydreaming; I was excited and nervous at the same time.” Happy added that meeting his hero was extra special. “He is a one-of-a-kind player who strives to do his best every time he gets on the field,” he said.

According to Thabo Mosete, Happy’s father, the opportunity to learn a few tricks of the trade from heroes he had only ever seen on TV provided Happy with much-needed motivation to continue tack-ling his illness: “Even though we do not have much, Reach For A Dream has encouraged us to believe that anything is possible. Happy works hard to achieve his dreams, so this opportunity will boost his morale and let him know that you can make it in life, despite your condition.”

As Happy left the pitch, the Buccaneers and supporting staff gave him a round of applause to recognise the warrior he is for staying positive and strong despite his illness. “Orlando Pirates is honoured to fulfil Happy’s wish and would like to wish him all the best in his journey to recovery.

From what we have seen, he is an incredibly resilient young man with a bright future ahead of him. We hope his time with the team has inspired him to believe that dreams do come true!” Thandi Merafe, Orlando Pirates spokesperson, said.

“Magical moments like these are what Reach For A Dream aims to create for all children with life-threatening illnesses, creating an inspirational moment that allows dreamers to regain their childhood lost to an illness,” says Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream.

“But more than anything else, what truly makes this experience special is how fulfilled dreams stir up much-needed courage and hope, helping these little ones believe that tomorrow is worth fighting for.”

The teen told the Herald that since his illness can only be controlled and not cured, he hopes to one day become a doctor who will find a cure for his condition and assist generations to come. “Every day comes with new opportunities. What happened yesterday cannot hold you back from achieving what you want to achieve the next day. Despite my illness, the mere fact that I am well now, means I have a chance to achieve my dreams and goals,” he concluded.