The 12-year-old Mpumelelo Molebatsi from Phaladi Primary School was recently selected to represent the North West Province in a Provincial Soccer School Squad in the Free State.

Mpumelelo has also joined the Kayo Stars Ladies Football club in Ikageng. Her coach has hailed her as one of the best female soccer players.

“Mpumi is a very young, energetic soccer player. At her age, she has shown so much maturity in terms of playing the game. The first time I saw her playing, I was overwhelmed by the talent and maturity she possesses when she plays. She is eager and enthusiastic to see herself playing at the highest level of the game,” says Cornelius Sebothoma, the chairperson of Kayo Stars Football Club.

“Mpumelelo’s mother brought her to Kayo Stars in 2020 when the team was still new. She is one of the youngest players and we welcomed her warmly, like any other new player that joins the club. I saw in her potential that only needed to be sharpened and guided. We developed and guided her onto the right path,” says Lucky Masigo, the director and founder of Kayo Stars.

“This young girl has talent. She’s a very good soccer player; one of my best. She is a very disciplined player who is not afraid of any opponents coming her way. Regardless of her age, she’s a go-getter when it comes to soccer. She has a bright future ahead of her,” concluded Masigo.