Leandra soccer star secures European deal
Wesley Ntshangase signs with European side FK Mitrovica, a professional football club based in Turkey.
International soccer star and founder of the I Promise Soccer Academy in Leandra, Wesley Ntshangase, has signed a new deal with European side FK Mitrovica, a professional football club based in Turkey.
The one-year contract includes an option for a potential future move to an affiliated Italian club, depending on his performance in the upcoming season.
This move marks a major milestone in Ntshangase’s football career and supports his broader vision of creating opportunities for young footballers in South Africa. Ntshangase, who hails from Leandra, shared his excitement in an interview with the Ridge Times from Turkey.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I came to Europe not only to pursue my own career but to pave the way for my football school,” he said.
Despite his move abroad, Ntshangase remains actively involved in running the I Promise Soccer Academy through daily communication with his trusted partner, who currently oversees the day-to-day operations in South Africa.
“There are already promising opportunities for the kids. We are in discussions to participate in tournaments in Europe in the near future. My partner is already engaging with European coaches and club executives to plan the future of our young players,” Ntshangase explained.
He emphasised that his long-term goal is to uplift young talent in the Mpumalanga region through the academy.
“A lot of good things are still to come for all the kids in the Govan Mbeki Municipality. That’s our mission. The I Promise Football School is just the beginning of that vision,” he said.
Ntshangase left South Africa on June 30 and arrived in Turkey on July 1.
