When Siboniso Dlamini told his
friends Simo and Sandile that he will be flying to Brazil to play soccer in the
Danone Nations Cup world finals later this year, they thought he was pulling
their leg. Overseas travel is not on the agenda of 12 year-olds who live in
dusty Emagwini township in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal.
But it’s true. Siboniso and his
team mates in the under-12 soccer teams of Siphumelele Primary school will
leave for Sao Paulo to represent South African at the world finals from 14th
to the 16th November, and it will be the first time any of them will
be flying in an aeroplane, much less going abroad.
Siphumelele are the 2014 South
African national champions in the Danone Nations Cup competition, which earned
them the right to play in the world finals in Brazil.
Siboniso lives with his parents
and younger sisters Nokwazi and Mbali and it’s their support, he says that
resulted in this opportunity. “My parents are behind me all the time.
They bought me soccer boots when I began playing and my father is always
playing soccer with me and teaching me new tricks with the ball. My sisters
look up to me as their older brother and I try to make them proud of me”, he
said. His parents are happy that he is getting this experience that they never
got.
He joined Siphumelele Primary
this year and loves it there. “I love learning and being taught so school work
is as important to me as soccer. I am strict with myself when it comes to
school work and do all my home work on time. My team mates are my friends at
school we hang out together during lunch and play soccer together.”
He started playing soccer at the
age of 5. The streets in his neighbourhood are always filled with kids playing
soccer. “We all knew the game from watching it on TV, but we didn't understand
it very well back then. Now I know the rules and have a better understating of
it. I officially started playing this year at Siphumelele when I was chosen for
the team.”
Winning the national finals in
Gauteng earlier this year will always be one of Siboniso’s happiest memories.
“It was the greatest time of life, I didn't think that I would ever travel
abroad, especially at the age of 12,” he said. “Most of the other players are
also new to the team. We have adjusted well and have grown to become friends on
and off the field.”
Sibosino scored one goal at the
national finals this year, and is hoping to get more in Brazil. “I love the
adrenaline that you get on the field, it's a great feeling, especially when you
score a goal,” he said.
He has given the trip a great
deal of thought and knows exactly what he wants to gain from the
experience. “I want to learn how to play soccer like the Brazilians, I
want to make friends and I want to score at least 4 goals. Our coach Mr
Ndwandwe, says he wants us to have fun and enjoy the experience and not to put
pressure on ourselves. I know I’m going to learn a lot and look forward to
meeting teams from other countries.”
It’s going to be the experience
of a lifetime for Sibosino and the boys from Siphumelele Primary. They will
return to Emagwini much changed from their taste of the world out there.
Getting to know Siboniso:
Favourite food: Chicken and rice
Favourite music: Kwaito
and Gospel
Favourite subject at school: Zulu
Favourite soccer players:
Itumeleng Khune and Reneilwe Letsholonyane,
Favourite SA team: Kaizer
Chiefs
Favourite international team:
Brazil
Hobby: I enjoy jogging,
because it keeps me fit and healthy
Favourite movie: The
Transporter
What would you like to do
after school: Play soccer professionally. If that does not work out I want
to become a doctor
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About Danone
Danone
Southern Africa is part of the Danone Group, one of the fastest-growing food
companies in the world. Danone is present in over 120 countries across
all continents. With 160 plants and around 100,000 employees, the Danone Group
is the number one worldwide for Fresh Dairy Products. Danone’s mission is to
bring health through food to as many people as possible.
One of the core values of the Danone Nations Cup
tournament is to encourage young people to believe in their dreams. Through
this initiative Danone offers a sporting event that reaches out to and inspires
millions of children all over the world
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