The fixture.
Peace Khosa’s Mopani Talent Search side will take on Baroka FC in a talent showcase match at Mafori Mphahlele Stadium in Lebowakgomo on Friday, with the fixture confirmed by Baroka on the club’s official Facebook page.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 11:00, will serve as an opportunity for some of Mopani’s brightest young footballers to impress Baroka’s technical team as they look to earn opportunities in the professional game. Entrance is free.
The squad was assembled following talent identification trials held at Nkowankowa Stadium two weeks ago, where Khosa selected 23 players from across the district.
The former Nkowankowa Continental co-coach, who was recently appointed head coach of ABC Motsepe League side Mpheni Defenders, launched the Mopani Talent Search project to create a pathway for talented players who often go unnoticed.
“The talent search was established to help talented players gain exposure and create opportunities for them to further their football careers,” Khosa told Mopani Times.
The programme targets players born between 2002 and 2009 and is coached by Khosa, a CAF B Licence holder.
Friday’s encounter is expected to be the first of several high-profile friendly matches for the project. Khosa hopes to arrange further fixtures against Motsepe Foundation Championship clubs and top development sides, including Polokwane City, Magezi FC and Venda FC.
The initiative has already helped several players secure opportunities at a higher level, and Friday’s clash presents another chance for Mopani’s emerging talent to catch the eye against established opposition.
Players during the Mopani talent search trials in Nkowankowa Stadium.