Morwatshehla Tebogo (left) and Titelo Ramoleta (right), from the Frank Moloto Development League in Bolobedu Ga-Modjadji, have been selected for the Limpopo Under-15 team that will represent the province at the TDS tournament in Johannesburg later this month. In the middle is SAFA LFA coach Tshepo Sebopetsa.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Six Mopani youngsters have booked their places in the Limpopo Under-15 team for the FIFA-led Talent Development Scheme (TDS) tournament in Johannesburg at the end of the month.
The TDS, facilitated by SAFA, is aimed at identifying and developing young talent from grassroots level, with the tournament providing a pathway towards the national Under-15 setup.
The six Mopani players were selected in Polokwane over the weekend after districts from across Limpopo brought their best Under-15 players to compete for places in the provincial squad.
Four of the selections came from the Youth Premier League in Giyani.
They are Peter Lehlogonolo, Manganye Mhluri, Andzani Ngoveni and Lesego Leope.
The other two selections came from the Frank Moloto Development League in Bolobedu Ga-Modjadji — Titelo Ramoleta and Tebogo Morwatshehla.
The six will join the selected players from other Limpopo districts, including Vhembe, Capricorn and Waterberg, to form the provincial team heading to Johannesburg.
The tournament offers a big opportunity for the youngsters, with 40 players from the nine provinces set to be identified for a national Under-15 camp.
Some of those players could also earn places at the School of Excellence.
The tournament will also put the youngsters on the radar of professional clubs, with teams such as Orlando Pirates known to scout youth tournaments for emerging talent.
For the six Mopani players, the next step is to make their mark in the Limpopo colours and push their way into the national talent pathway.
Manganye Mhluri of the Youth Premier League in Giyani is among the players selected for the Limpopo Under-15 team and identified by Mamelodi Sundowns Academy scouts.
Lesego Leope (centre) of the Youth Premier League in Giyani is among the players selected for the Limpopo Under-15 team and identified by Mamelodi Sundowns Academy scouts.