SEDIBENG.– Former Bafana Bafana captain, Aaron ‘Mbazo’ Mokoena, spent a full day scouting the next generation of football stars this past weekend.

Mokoena, who still holds the record as the most capped player for the national team, was among the crowd at Curro Vanderbijlpark on Sunday for the Gauteng Development League.

The elite academy matches featured top sides, including Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Panorama FC, and the hosts, Remember Elite Academy, all competing for vital points. The legendary defender was not the only famous face on the sidelines.

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Abia Nale also attended to support his old club and reunite with former teammates like Jimmy Jambo, who is now coaching within the Chiefs development structures. Both Mokoena and Nale share local roots, having started their own careers in the dusty streets of Boipatong and Sebokeng.

Their presence was a major highlight for the young players hoping to follow in their footsteps.

Xolani Mathumba, the Managing Director of RESA, told Sedibeng Ster Sport that having such icons in attendance was a massive honour. He noted that Mokoena and Nale remain influential figures in South African football and served as a great inspiration to the U19 squads.

“We are humbled by their presence…”

“As RESA, we’re really humbled by the presence of these two icons in our football. I want to thank these two for spending the day with us, especially watching this young talent. Remember, they also started at this level before they became superstars,” said Mathumba.

The event also provided a learning platform for VUT students to help administer the day’s activities. Mathumba expressed his gratitude to Curro Vanderbijlpark for their support and thanked the two legends for remembering their roots and supporting grassroots talent.