Help teen footballer get to Portugal
Siyamthanda Simba is expected to be in Portugal on November 30 until February 28, 2025.
Aspiring footballer Siyamthanda Sima needs financial help to be able to attend trials in Portugal from November 30.
The Lower South Coast Academy player was spotted by the Portugal Soccer Academy.
The 16-year-old’s father, Mike Sima, said Siyamthanda is expected to be in Portugal until February 28, 2025.
He said, according to the academy, his son would need about R150 000 for his three-month stay, which will cover his travel and accommodation expenses.
Sima said this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the academy works closely with football teams such as FC Porto and Benfica.
“Siyamthanda grew up seeing my love for football, which is how his love for the game started. In 1998, I was invited to trials by Kaizer Chiefs. The lack of financial support made me forget about the soccer career I wanted, so I looked for a job. So, when Siyamthanda started playing, I bought him a lot of soccer balls; he has been playing for a long time,” said Sima.
He added that the trials will not affect his schooling.
He said Siyamthanda is in Grade 9, saying that should he make it to Portugal, he would have to study there as well.
“Nowadays, one can make a living through sports, but education is important,” he said.
If you are able to assist, call 066 3299657.
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