Northern Academy soccer star returns from Swedish tournament

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Johannesburg, 01 August 2019: When it comes to future soccer stars, keep an eye out for Livhuwani Netshikulwe, a learner at Northern Academy, a school managed by Curro. Netshikulwe recently returned from Gothenburg, Sweden, where he represented University of Pretoria FC (Tuks) in the Gothia Cup. This youth association football tournament has been played annually since 1975, where this year, Livhuwani and his team kept the South African flag flying high.
As one of the largest tournaments of its kind, there are 132 teams from 27 countries competing in the under-18 group. University of Pretoria FC’s tournament ended valiantly in the quarter finals with a loss of 4-3 against French team Live your World Cup.
Being able to represent your club in an international tournament is a massive privilege and an opportunity that Livhuwani will not easily forget. “Travelling to Sweden and playing in the tournament was a great experience and a good way to bond with my teammates.” However, it’s not the sights and sounds of Sweden that Livhwani will remember most. As a 16-year-old learner currently completing Grade 11 at Northern Academy, being able to represent a club at under-18 level is a serious achievement. “I appreciated the love my team showed me, backing me when they knew that I’m doing a man’s job at a young age,” he says.
Livhuwani is quick to credit his mom, Thuphi Glory Mudau, for everything he has managed to achieve. “Since day one, she has been there to support my dreams and remind me to believe in myself,” he states. He recalls a disappointing time in his past where he failed to be recalled to the South African under-17 squad, the Amajimbos, after cracking the nod previously. His mom was there to guide and support him, telling him that his time will still come. And it did indeed as he was selected as part of the University of Pretoria team for the under-17 Future Champions tournament, and the one that travelled to Sweden.
Livhuwani also mentions the importance of his two coaches at Northern Academy, Hendrick Mukwevho and Orphan Mfuloane. “They make sure I keep fit and focused and have gone out of their way to help me practice for my matches,” he says. However, even if Livhuwani is on track for a soccer career, he knows that this is far from certain. His studies at Northern Academy remain key, and with his sights set on a Bachelor of Science degree, he would like to disprove the stereotype of sporting figures often not having a tertiary qualification.
As much as he is motivated by other members of his soccer team at Northern Academy, Livhuwani also tries to inspire and encourage others – on and off the field. “I know how to encourage teammates when they feel like they have let themselves down,” he says. This is the type of behaviour that Curro is encouraging among all their learners as part of their #Learners2Leaders campaign. They look to learners such as Livhuwani to fulfil a leadership role not only within the school, but also in the community.
By looking at Livhuwani’s achievements on the soccer pitch, it is working. That said, Livhuwani knows that hard work awaits, especially if he wants to achieve his dream of joining clubs such as Southampton and West Ham in the hope of further developing his skills. But, if there is a gentleman that will not forget his roots, it’s Livhuwani.
“To be honest, I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for Northern Academy,” he concludes.