Lerato Manzini of Chippa United (Photo by Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images)
Manzini, who scored eight goals in all competitions for the Chilli Boys this past season, says growing up with an unemployed single parent was tough for him and he has always made it his objective to one day give back to the people of his community.
“I was raised by mom in Welkom, and we struggled a lot due to her being unemployed. I did not really have a decent pair of shoes for school. Whenever I go home, I still see a lot of children in my township going to school barefoot and I want to help,” Manzini told the club’s website.
“This is obviously a start and I am glad my wife supported the idea from day one. I hope to do more for the community in the near future.”
The striker believes it is vital for footballers to give back to their communities.
“I have always wanted to give something back to the people of Thabong for the support and love they have given me and my family. I want to assist where I can to create a South Africa that our father Nelson Mandela spoke about. It is important for us as footballers to heed the call to give back to our communities that support us.”