POLOKWANE – Mathakga Legodi, a 17-year-old aspiring soccer star from Westenburg Secondary School, says he wants to see himself playing for one of the best international soccer clubs in the world, FC Barcelona.
Having played soccer since primary school, the Gr 10 learner, is considered a rose among thorns in soccer in Polokwane and says he dreams to play internationally one day.
“The soccer field is my forte and comfort. When I play soccer, I am at my happiest. I play in the right back position, but started out as a centre back. I look up to Kyle Walker from Manchester City and Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona. I’m also a fan of Lionel Messi. I was honoured to travel to America, Las Vegas as part of the African Football Experience. Here we were taught about the soccer industry, as well as that one needs to have the right amount of drive, passion and mind in order to grow and make it in this industry. We were also advised on some of the challenges to expect and how to overcome them,” he explained.
He travelled to America with other young, talented soccer stars like: Siviwe Semenya and Phemelo Thobejane, just to name a few. They managed to perform well and were at ninth position, in terms of soccer skills and knowledge out of 32 countries which attended the phenomenal soccer experience.
He says the support from his school and family keeps him grounded and focused to work hard, to always do his best while on the field. “While I was in America I met Tomy Oxford, who plays for San Jose Earthquakes FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS). It was exciting to meet someone I only saw on television previously. Someone I look up to and admire in the soccer industry. Speaking to him about his soccer journey inspired and motivated me to work even harder, so I too can be a recognised international soccer star and inspire the youth,” he added.
Mathakga says he needs help from the community in order for him to be able the African Football Experience’s Gothing Cup in Sweden.
