Xolani poised for success
The Danone u/12 Nations Cup soccer tournament has produced many players who have gone on to compete for top Premier Soccer League (PSL) and international clubs, some going on to be members of various national teams.
LIMPOPO – A player who is destined be one of the tournament’s success stories is Xolani Muleya. This 13-year-old, who competed for Benny’s Sports Development Academy at the Danone Nations Cup world finals in 2016, was called up to the SA national u/17 team in December to compete against Lesotho.
Xolani made a big difference to the team that went to France for the world finals where he showed his versatility by playing defence, midfield and striker. His performance caught the attention of other countries who rated him as a future star.
The young star said he believes the Danone Nations Cup contributed greatly to his growth in soccer.
He started out as a shy and quiet boy, tall and awkward, feeling out of place until one of the Danone representatives told him to be proud of his height and strength and to go out onto the field in France and be himself. This gave him the confidence he needed to show what he was capable of and this, he believes, contributed to him getting selected for the u/17 national team.
When he was informed by the school he had been selected to attend a national camp with two other players, Sibusiso Ndimande and Innocent Khwerana, he couldn’t believe it at first. He was the youngest player in the squad.
“It was great to get an opportunity to represent my country,” he said. “I’m happy I can make my father, Fortune Ndlovu, proud. He is my role model and he attends all my matches, no matter how far he has to travel. Seeing him in the stands helps my confidence and enables me to play better.”
Benny’s Sports Development Academy Principal, Nqobile Sindane, said he believes the Danone Nations Cup changed Xolani in many ways as he is more confident and can talk to other learners more easily. “His academics have improved as well. It’s a huge achievement for the school and that wouldn’t have happened if they didn’t win the trip to France,” Sindane said.
He added he hopes many soccer players will look at Xolani’s journey and see anything is possible and know they can also make their dreams come true.
“I believe that we will see Xolani playing in the PSL and for Bafana Bafana one day.”
