THE founder of Imiso Boys’ FC, Nelisa Bekezantsi, said his intention of starting the development team was to groom rural talent and turn those boys into professional players.
Since its establishment in 2022, the team has already made a huge difference in players’ lives and in sport development in Mthatha, as the team is also assisting other under-resourced teams with equipment around the OR Tambo region.
Imiso Boys’ FC captain, Ovayo Jumba (14), said that since joining the team his life has changed.
“This changed my life because every time I attend training sessions after school, I am not getting involved in any illegal activities. I have played more than seven games since joining the team in January 2024, and I visited many areas, meeting with professional players and other young stars from professional football clubs around the Eastern Cape and South Africa at large.
“Recently, as a team we participated in a mini tournament in Mthatha, playing in the Rotary Stadium against big teams like City Strikers FC. It was a great experience for me and we have learned a lot as a team,” said Jumba.
He added that one of his great memories was when they met face-to-face with Kaizer Chiefs FC and Orlando Pirates FC players during the Soweto Derby in FNB Stadium earlier this year.
“Our chairman, after the Soweto Derby match, chatted with the FNB stadium manager and they agreed for us to go down to meet with players.
“I shook hands with my favourite player, Ashley du Preez, something that I never thought that I would do at this age.”
Mesuli Mpelane (13), who was also among the Imiso FC players to meet with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates players, said they are grateful as a rural team to have a chairman like Bekezantsi who is taking care of them, making sure that they play against top teams, and visiting big cities through sport.
“Since we started, we have managed to go to Moses Mabhida Stadium and FNB Stadium, meeting with top people that we always saw on TV,” said the young star.
One of the parents, Nosandla Mangele, said that the team is making a huge difference in their children’s lives.
“As parents we are very happy with what Mr Bekezantsi is doing for our children. After school we know our children are going to the field and they have something to do after school.”
Bekezantsi said his main objective of starting the team was to keep young boys busy and away from illegal activities.
Imiso Boys’ FC has u/13 and u/15 teams. The team is based in Katilumla Administration Area in Ngqeleni.
