A 16-year-old Manenberg boy’s dream has come true after he was selected to play in an international soccer tournament in Malaysia and Bali in December.
Malachi Charles is a goalkeeper for a local soccer club and has been playing the Beautiful Game since he was six years old.
The trip overseas will cost around R50 000 and the family is hard at work raising funds.
The Grade 9 pupil at Athlone High has been selected by the SA Schools Football Association.
His aunt Natalene Jacobs says literally having to dodge skollies and gang bullets in Manenberg on a daily has given Malachi the tenacity to do well at school and also perform at his peak on the field.
She says he started showing potential as a young child, kicking things around.
“He was just a kicker. It did not matter if it was round. He would do little stunts, kicks and taps with a Lego block.
“He is very passionate about soccer and has always dreamed of playing on an international level. This selection is a dream come true.
“We will do fundraisers for him as a family, and we hope people will assist him,” she says
Natalene says Malachi is very dedicated, dividing his time between school, training and church.
ASPIRING LEGEND: Malachi of Manenberg in action. Picture: Supplied
The teen meanwhile says he wants to become a “legend”.
“I want to show how talented I am and how hard I can work and I want to make my mother and my family proud,” says the shy boy.
Anyone who wishes to assist Malachi can contact Natalene on 078 677 4111.