Kenton lad recruited for Safa training

STAFF REPORTER

A TALENTED young football star from Kenton-on-Sea, Liyabona Hoyi, jetted off to Johannesburg on Sunday where his talent will be nurtured by the SAFA/Transnet School of excellence.

The thirteen-year-old from Ekuphumleni township was selected in talent identification trials held by the school in the Cacadu region last year.

He then went to a final selection held in Johannesburg where he spent four days at the school and impressed Khabo Zondo, the head coach at the school.

CONGRATULATIONS AND FAREWELL: Liyabona Hoyi (right) from Ekuphumleni received a sponsored soccer kit from his former school coach Mthuthuzeli Tobi as they bid farewell to the youngster who will start high school at the SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence in Johannesburg Picture: MZIWANELE WOPA

SAFA regional president Mziwanele Wopa said when legendary coach Clive Barker attended the annual Build It U13 tournament in Kenton last year, Liyabona was the first player to be selected into a team Barker put together.

"He started playing in our U13 team at the age of eleven,” said Wopa.

"Liya is a very skillful player who likes a big stage and playing with those older than him more than those of his chronological age.”

As well as developing his football skills, the SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence will also provide Liyabona with a high school education.

"I do not doubt by 2017 we will be having a professional player in this boy,” an excited Wopa said.

"This is an indication that Cacadu region has abundance of football talent as this young lad [follows] in the footsteps of Khayalethu Ngangqu who played professionally for Bay United, Thamsanqa Teyise and Mzuvukile Tom - our only current PSL players,” said Wopa.