An 18-year-old footballer from Amalinda is appealing for community support after earning a place in a prestigious international football development programme in Spain, an opportunity that could be the stepping stone towards a professional football career.
Mihlali Veto, a talented defender for Masivuke FC, is among nine promising young footballers from the Eastern Cape selected to participate in the Málaga CF Programme, an elite football development initiative that provides structured training, professional coaching and valuable international exposure.
The squad is scheduled to travel to Spain from September 15-30, where the players will train under experienced coaches, compete against quality opposition and gain first-hand experience of European football development.
The opportunity followed a rigorous scouting process involving more than 150 players from across SA. Through partnerships with football development structures, including an academy in Pretoria, international scouts identified a select group of players who demonstrated the technical ability, discipline and potential required to progress to the overseas programme.
Programme director at Masivuke Community Development, which runs Masivuke FC across several age groups, Phumeza Kwababa said the selection was a proud moment for the club and the surrounding communities.
”When we travelled to the trials, we hoped at least two of our players would be selected,” Kwababa said. “We were pleasantly surprised when more of our players made the final squad.”
Kwababa explained that many of the selected players come from disadvantaged communities, including Duncan Village and Tsholomqa, where access to elite football opportunities is often limited.
”These boys have worked incredibly hard despite the challenges they face every day. Their selection shows that talent exists in our communities when young people are given the opportunity to showcase their abilities.”
She described Veto, who joined Masivuke FC in 2022, as one of the club’s most committed and disciplined players. ”He is hardworking, respectful and always willing to learn. He trains consistently and never misses an opportunity to improve.
“Those are the qualities international scouts are looking for, not only football ability but also discipline, commitment and the willingness to work hard.”
According to Kwababa, the programme has already opened additional doors for the players, with opportunities expected in Germany and Croatia, where they will continue developing their football skills and gain further international exposure.
”The scouts saw the potential these boys have and even indicated they would have liked more time to work with them. That says a lot about the quality of players we have here in the Eastern Cape.”
While the football opportunity is exciting, funding remains the greatest obstacle. Kwababa said the organisation has approached several businesses and institutions for sponsorship but has had little success.
”We have written sponsorship proposals and approached different organisations, but unfortunately we have not received the support we had hoped for.
“Some families managed to raise money for the Pretoria trials, but travelling overseas is a much bigger financial commitment.”
She believes financial circumstances should never prevent talented young people from pursuing life-changing opportunities.
”These opportunities don’t come around often. Not every player gets the chance to be scouted internationally.
“This is something these boys must embrace with both hands.”
For Veto, who is equally comfortable playing at centre-back, left-back and right-back, football has always been more than just a game.
”My passion for football started when I was very young. At first I played just for fun, but as I continued training and competing, my love for the sport grew stronger,” Veto said.
He believes the trip to Spain represents an opportunity to learn from experienced coaches while measuring himself against international standards.
”This trip is about improving my football, gaining international experience and chasing my dream of becoming a professional player. I also want to make my family, my club and my community proud.”
Despite his excitement, Veto knows the biggest challenge now lies off the field.
The costs of flights, accommodation, meals and other travel expenses are beyond the reach of many of the selected players’ families.
In Veto’s case, both of his parents are unemployed, making it extremely difficult to raise the funds needed before the September departure.
His mother, Namhla, said she recognised her son’s talent and determination from an early age.
”I noticed his talent because of the passion and discipline he has always shown for football,” Namhla said.
“He has remained committed to his dream and has worked very hard to reach this point.”
She appealed to businesses, community members and anyone willing to invest in young talent to help make the opportunity a reality.
With just weeks remaining before departure, time is running out.
However, with the support of the community, the young Amalinda defender could soon find himself training in Spain and taking a significant step towards fulfilling his dream of playing professional football.
Anyone wishing to support Mihlali Veto’s trip to Spain can contact Namhla on 066-458-7388.
