Orlando Pirates reserve team’s Azola Tshobeni who is currently one of the youngest players in the Multi-choice Diski Challenge (MDC) takes us through his humble beginnings.
Tshobedi was groomed by Coach Sipho Ndawonde from Happy Boys at Windmill Park, Boksburg when he was spotted by Augusto Palacios Academy. He was then discovered by Premier League team Orlando Pirates to play for the Multi-choice Diski team.
The 16 year old has made Eastrand proud when he got a call up from the under 17 national team while still in the development of Palacios. He represented the national team at the COSAFA tournament in Mauritius.
‘’It has been a great experience for me as a young player and I was taught how to adapt in different circumstances to get an experience in playing for the national team because there are very few players who can get that opportunity. I came back with an experience which I use to help the development team,’’ Tshobeni said.
Tshobeni says he draws inspiration from his all-time favourite soccer legend, Benedict Tso Vilakazi because of his style of play, and he looks up to Lionel Messi because of the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch.
He said he would like to play and win awards for Pirates’ first team which is in the PSL and his dream is to play overseas with Manchester United.
Tshobeni encourages budding soccer star in his community to stay disciplined and remain focused. “They must work hard for what they want to achieve, be dedicated, have passion and avoid bad influence,’’ he says.
Tshobeni express his gratitude to his parents, community members, and his coach from Happy Boys. He also extend his thanks to his coaches from Palacios and Pirates who believed in him and gave him an opportunity to play for the biggest club.
