Football in Potchefstroom has been given a boost with the introduction of a football club with its prime focus on football development within the province.

North West United FC has set its sights on this town with the red and green machine hoping to unearth and nurture SA’s next footballing stars.

North West United FC found its feet in February 2010 during the World Cup with structural football development being part and parcel of North West United’s enthusiastic vision. It is the vision and the love of the game that have been driving the chairperson, Praise Tlhame ever since the club was established. Alongside the sharp-minded head coach, Thabo Mokaleng, these two hope to make a difference in the  lives of youngsters through football.

As the chairperson shared his heart and vision for the coming season, his main concern was the lack of football facilities – they currently only use Hoërskool Die Wilge’s rugby field for training.

“We have to travel as far as Gauteng province to play matches,” said Tlhame. However, this has not stopped the club from implementing its vision and mission to build a leading football development club in the province.

“We aim to grow the Football Academy to 50 footballers selected from within the province and another 30 from other parts of southern Africa by 2017,” he added.

The club currently has footballers from various places within North West. Its captain, Teboho Masisi made his way to the club as a centre-forward late last year. He is also the only player from the greater Free State Province among all those selected from within North West.

North West United aims to restore the lives of talented young footballers within this province first and usher them into the place of their dreams. Hence, the club chairperson believes that if the community and local businesses are prepared to contribute and support them, a lot can be archived in building a better society, full of hope and a better tomorrow.

“The focus is on minimising corruption, drug abuse and the high rate of unemployment, especially among our unskilled youth, and the lack of education for the disadvantaged.

We urge and invite any person willing to contribute either skills, knowledge or anything else to push the vision to contact us or visit us from Monday to Thursday from 15:45 to 17:45 @ Hoërskool Die Wilge on the N12 Potchefstroom,” said Tlhame.

For enquiries, contact 073 752 1604 or  062 167 7394 or fax at 086 574 0265

Email:northwestunitedfc@gmail.com

North West United FC Squad (Potchefstroom)

Goalkeeper: Moeletsi Thupayagae

Defenders: Gilbert Matshiesha, Kutlwano Sepebano, Lethlohonolo Molefi, Mandla Sechele and Kamogelo Mokgosinyane.

Midfielders: Neo Setlodi, Tshidiso Mokaleng, Teboho Masisi (captain) Thato Molejane, Kgotso Bogatsu, Lebogang Tshweu, Keaotshepa Mafoko and Lethabo Jantjies.

Forwards: Matt Erasmus, Rebaone Motaung, Gomolemo Legoete, Onkgopotse Masike and Keketso Ramatsheng.

Coach: Thabo Mokaleng