Tshepo Van Wyk, a 16-year-old soccer player from Lonely Park, North West, who plays for Golfview Combined School, has finally fulfilled his dream of being selected for Under-17 SAFA trials.
The youngster was chosen at provincial trials held on the 3rd of June at Promosa in Potchefstroom to discover South Africa's next football stars. But having found success among a pool of players, he hopes this is his breakthrough. The hopeful made it as he was placed ahead of his other schoolmates he got selected with, Lethabo Marumo and Lentswe Phetoe. The youngsters were chosen to undergo an intensive training skills programme.
South African Football Association (SAFA) Head of Scouting David Nyathi has been attending the provincial trials and is happy with the progress made by some of the provinces. The date for the national trials is still to be announced.
Tshepo began playing soccer at 12 for Peace Makers Sporting Academy in Montshioa. After that, he moved on to play for Magra before starting to play for Golfview Combined School. Currently, he is a player for 18 Moyeni FC, coached by Bakang Mohotlheng. Not only is this his first trial, but he also attempted the Football Project trials last year with Coach Bakang Mohotlheng but was unsuccessful since they were for an older division. He then attempted the Montshioa turf trials and was chosen for Sub-District.
Due to the lack of opportunities that most South African youngsters face, the left-wing striker is delighted and grateful for this opportunity and ready to show the world his talent. "As an opportunity I've been waiting for, I will be showcasing my talent, and opportunities will surface," said Tshepo.
His father, Shimmy Ngakantsi, said his accomplishment made the family and the school very proud. According to his father, Tshepo has been doing his best with his football career. "As a father, I'm excited because Tshepo has been doing his best, as the whole family has been attending almost all his games and giving him all the support he needs. I wish him all the best for his future. Not many opportunities come in Mahikeng," said the proud father.
The expectations set for student-athletes can go to extremes. They are expected to keep pace in class and do well in sports simultaneously. This sometimes creates an imbalance in how student-athletes go about their priorities. Tshepo's father ensures that his son balances the two. "Academically, I give him time to study after practice sessions, and I always tell him to focus on his books as the sport is not guaranteed for the future,” said Ngakantsi.
Student-athletes must strike a perfect balance between academics and sports. Such balance will ensure excellent performance on both fronts for Tshepo, making his mind stronger, healthier, and more resilient for studying and playing soccer.
