Disney Africa launched a competition where young soccer stars had a chance to grab the opportunity of a lifetime in which they would receive soccer tips from football legend, Lucas Radebe.

The company announced that former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United soccer star, Lucas ‘Rhoo’ Radebe, will be the protagonist and highlight of a series of local shorts and lend his skills as a mentor for Disney XD’s brand new soccer-themed series, ’11’.

Disney XD, DStv and Channel 304 viewers are able to see Lucas re-enacting some spectacular goals and unforgettable moments from the series, whilst offering tips, tricks of the trade and valuable insights from his successful career.

Siyabonga Radebe was the winner of the competition and he and 10 of his friends got to spend a day with the legend. Siyabonga is an 11-year-old who attends school at Somelulwazi Primary School.

He is also a part of Phakamani Young Minds, an after-school tutoring programme.

Founder of the academy, Bokang Mokoena is the reason Siyabonga had a chance to live the dream.

The shooting of the series started on July 21 at the Freedom Park Primary School. “This is where Lucas Radebe came to fetch us,” said little Siyabonga.

From the school, they were transported to Rand Stadium in Rosettenville, in the south of Johannesburg. “We played a little bit of soccer and had a breakfast,” said Siyabonga.

Besides this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the 11 boys were also awarded exclusive Disney XD soccer kit.

After being awarded the kit, the boys stripped down and changed into the kit when the real fun started.

“We went to the change rooms to change and when we were there they told us that we should listen to Lucas Radebe. This is where he taught us more about how to play soccer and how to do tricks,” said Siyabonga.

“Thabo Maseng, a friend of Siyabonga, said, “We felt so excited and happy.”

Mokoena added, “Why I was happy for the boys is knowing that Disney XD is an international company, and Siyabonga managing to win made me realise that it is actually possible for each child to achieve their dreams.”

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