OLWAKHE Lutho Sototo, a 16-year-old goalkeeper for Mcubakazi’s Young Stars FC, expressed his joy upon receiving a full school uniform as a prize from the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup recently.
The award was part of the accolades given to Sototo and his peers, Yalatha Cosa from Young Stars FC, and Busekuhle Mdoda from FC Tshabalala, following their outstanding performances in the recent u/17 Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup’s second edition held at Walter Sisulu University’s Bika campus.
The prizegiving ceremony saw Sototo honoured as the tournament’s top goalkeeper, while Mdoda and Cosa were recognised as the best attacker and player of the tournament, respectively. Each was rewarded with trophies, cash, and R2 500 in school uniform vouchers.
Members of the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup Committee, led by Banzi Siyongwana, made a special visit to Phakamani High School in Bika last week to present the players with complete school uniforms, including blazers.
In a conversation with Mthatha Express, Sototo shared his excitement and gratitude for the prize. Currently in Grade 10, he believes that such recognition not only boosts his confidence but also motivates him to excel both academically and in his football career.
Sototo aspires to become a professional goalkeeper, aiming to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and other major leagues.
He extended his thanks to his coach, Nceba Madutswana, and the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup for providing u/17 players with a platform to display their skills while emphasising the importance of education for a successful future.
Phakamani High School also expressed appreciation to the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup for their contribution to sports development and for encouraging students to balance their education with their sporting activities, highlighting the synergy between sports and education.
