We all need to hear some good news during these extremely tough times.
With the coronavirus still raging in our country and other major nations, it’s difficult to see the light.
No matter how difficult it is, let me remind you all that we should each keep our heads up and druk deur.
That’s all we can do. As a wise man once said: Safety first, then teamwork. With the world so different since March, us sports lovers still have the refuge of our favourite pastimes to turn to.
And after watching the English, Italian and Spanish seasons come to an end, European competition will bring some more memorable action, following Liverpool’s fantastic Premier League success and Arsenal’s unlikely record FA Cup title.
This weekend, it’s our turn to get the ball rolling in Mzansi.
But what I want to focus on today is a real feel-good story from Stellenbosch FC, where they signed their first academy graduate on a professional contract.
It’s a massive achievement for any club to promote and nurture their own - I never stop giving Ajax Cape Town credit for what they have done for the local community and South African football.
And Stellenbosch has become one of those beacons that mense in the winelands came to look up to.
Having finally secured their move to the Danie Craven Stadium for when football returns to normal, the coming of age of Jayden Adams is big news for the club.
The 18-year-old from Cloetesville has long been wowing the local football fraternity.
Before Stellies emerged from Vasco da Gama, the youngster was impressing in Ajax’s famed youth system.
But once there was real promise in his hometown, where the football club shares the facilities and expertise of the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport - base of the Western Province Institute and the Blitzbokke - it just made sense to be at home.
And just like the famed wines of the region, Adams matured in the Diski Challenge under reserves coach Evangelos Vellios.
So delicate is Adams’ touch and complex his understanding of the game, that coach Steve Barker is happy to see the creative midfielder make the step up.
The boss said of his new squad member in a club statement: “When I first joined the club in 2017, Jayden would on occasion train with the first team - he was then only 16 years of age.
“Since then he has improved and developed into a phenomenal player who has really shown his quality in the MDC this season.
“Therefore, we are pleased to be able to offer him a contract. Being that he is from Stellenbosch is massive for him and massive for the community. It’s a real proud moment for all of us.”
For Jayden and his family, his graduation could not have been more bittersweet after his grandfather died after hearing the news of his promotion.
The kid, whose mom revealed he started playing with a skorsie, says: “It’s a huge privilege for me and it’s a big honour to be the first out of the Academy to sign a professional contract.
“I want to make my family and all those that have inspired me proud. “Those who are my role models, like my mother and father and especially my grandfather, Howard Adams.
“I want to make the community of Stellenbosch proud and keep on achieving.”
If that story doesn’t melt your heart, dan is jy van klip gemaak.
Stellies and their former Cape Town Stadium flatmates, Cape Town City, are back in business next week when the PSL gets into full swing.
Both spanne have it all to play for and will have to hit the ground running from the first whistle to avoid a relegation battle.
And let me say this now after hearing about this whole Bobby Motaung scandal at Kaizer Chiefs, clubs and stakeholders must now do their utmost to complete the season without contamination or controversy.
Anyone that goes into the bio- bubble must stay in lockdown.
Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa warned this week that any violations of the protocols leading to an outbreak will see the hele season shut down.
So manne - broadcasters, members of the media, groundstaff and everyone involved - please take this seriously.
Sport has so often been an example and inspiration. Let’s restore some hope and integrity.