Grade 11 soccer player Onke from Missionvale has the opportunity of a lifetime after being chosen to represent South Africa and play in the Manchester Cup. Premiere League future in-the-making? Onke’s ready to go for gold!
Missionvale, South Africa (12 January 2024) — Onke Mzozoyana might be from a world with limited opportunities, but his dreams know no bounds.
From a tender age, Onke’s passion for soccer has taught him discipline, hard work and the spirit of dreaming beyond what seems possible. Now, at just 17 years old, he’s got the shot at the opportunity of a lifetime—competing in the Manchester Cup!
Not only is this the chance to compete in one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the world, but it’s also a playing field where dreams can come true. Many scouts will be present to pick the best talents presented from over 45 countries’ teams, and if he gets to Manchester, Onke could be one of them.
Gunning for gold is one thing, but vying for a shot at a new life-fledged with prospects to follow your dreams is another entirely. And Onke’s not backing down on either.
The Manchester Cup will run from 29 to 31 March. For Onke, every moment until then counts as he and his community rally to raise the funds needed.
He will be playing for Proskills Soccer Academy who also happen to be the only South African team accepted to participate in the prestigious cup.
As Marc Manuel, CEO of Proskills weighs in:
“I need not tell you what a massive difference this will make to [Onke’s] future], his family, the city & our national soccer team.”
Sabrina Lambers, General Manager at Missionvale Care Centre, who has been a backbone of great support, explains that they first met Onke early last year for a trip to Sweden. Due to various setbacks and complications involving his visa and unfortunate timing, he didn’t get to compete in the Gothia Cup.
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“So we were thrilled when his coach Mark Manual reached out directly to us, with all the information for the trip to Manchester,” she shares.
Together with Lucky Ngamlana, the Centre’s Impumelelo Training and Development Centre Leader, they began formulating a plan to drive support for Onke’s funding.
The young soccer star was eager to get as involved as possible and, as such, started working during the school holidays at a local retailer to pay his way.
Sabrina adds:
“To me it is very important that Onke shows interest in the hustle towards his dream, instead of only relying on us as an organisation to help him out or doing the fundraising for him. I am very happy to report that he is highly motivated and up for any challenge that will bring him closer to his dream of going to Manchester to show the world what he has in store.”
So far, roughly R11,000 of R40,000 has been raised by him and Missionvale Care!
With South Africa’s support behind our player, we might just have the next rising star in soccer waving our flag high.
Anyone able to take this dream off the bench can donate using the details below. International donations can be sent using the information here.
Missionvale Care Centre
Standard Bank
Account number 080364152
Reference “Onke M2M”
or get in touch with info@missionvale.org.za!
Sources: Sabrina Lambers
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