Opportunity of a lifetime for Toekies football duo
'They are hoping to be an inspiration to other boys in the area. This is a massive opportunity' – father of one of the boys.
Two Toekomsrus boys have been selected to join the Transnet School of Excellence development programme for the next five years.
Tyrique Koopman and Christian von Melluen, both aged 12, were recently selected among 1 500 other teenagers across South Africa for the sponsorship and have made their community proud.
Their mentor and former professional soccer player, Clayton von Meullen, who is also Christian’s father, said the boys have been given an opportunity of a lifetime. He added the boys started playing soccer at a very young age and have always been competitive.
“They are hoping to be an inspiration to other boys in the area. This is a massive opportunity and what they have achieved can go into the history books. Who knows where they might end up?” Von Melluen said.
Shirley Koopman, Tyrique’s mother said she was proud that her son had been committed from the beginning and would use this opportunity to gain a good life experience.
“I’m so proud of him because he’s always shown consistency and hard work,” Koopman said.
The two youngsters considered the opportunity as an honour, especially having to represent Randfontein both on and off the field.
“We are proud and we are very excited about this,” Tyrique said.
The pair leave for Elandsfontein on Sunday, 28 February to start with the programme.
