Football takes Kgotso Masangane to Europe

eMBALENHLE – Kgotso Masangane, local football player, is happy to see what he has been dreaming about for so long, unfold sooner than he thought.

This young footballer has been signed by FS Metta from Latvia, a higher league club in Europe, and has been offered a two year contract.

He is originally from Balfour and later relocated to eMbalenhle in pursuit of his dreams.

He began school at Siyathemba Primary School and matriculated at iSifisosethu Secondary School.

Masangane discovered his passion and talent for soccer when he was five-years-old. He can recall how Bhuti Lubisi discovered him and became his coach. Lubisi is like his second father to him.

Soon after he was recruited to play for Liverpool FC (Balfour), he joined the Dipaleseng Young Rabbits, then Batlokwa FC and thereafter Zone Mavo, during which he was scouted to go overseas.

His journey to go abroad began in December when he was playing in the Govan Mbeki Festive Soccer Tournament.

Kabelo Seriba and Vusi Thanjekwayo noticed him and recommended him to the team in Latvia.

“I could not believe it, because happened so quickly. I will be forever grateful for the chance granted to me. I promise to make them proud.

“My focus now is to develop my skills so that my dream of playing for the big teams such Manchester United or Barcelona, can be fulfilled.”

As much as he is enjoying his life overseas, Masangane said it is not easy being a soccer player as it requires daily hard work and dedication.

He said it is quite a challenge to understand the philosophies of the coaches, and added that the game itself is not easy at all.

Masangane said he is determined to give his all so that he can be a successful soccer player.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am not going to let it slip past me. I always told my mom that one day I will play in Europe.

“I really miss home, but I am a big boy. I have to focus on building my career.”

He is happy that he will be spending two years in Latvia, and added it is great country with friendly people.

He had noticed that crime is lower than in South Africa and he would not mind spending his entire life in Latvia.

Masangane said his days are structured the way he always wanted them to be.

He wakes up early in the morning, goes to training, and later goes to gym.

“I always wanted to play soccer everyday of my life and it is happening now. I promise to work hard to make my family and my country proud.”

This chance has thaught him to never to take any moment for granted, because you never know who is watching.

Masangane thanked his parents, his coach Bhuti Lubisi, Vusi Thanjekwayo and Kabelo Seriba for believing in his talent.