A Tafelsig teen has made it big on the international football scene after being part of the team that won two major soccer tournaments overseas.
The Daily Voice interviewed 14-year-old Tyrique Simons and his mother, Tania, in October 2018 when they asked for assistance to raise funds towards his travelling costs.
With the help of the community and Mitchells Plain SAPS, he was able to raise the R44 500 required to take part in both the TTD Super Cup Dubai, which took place from 15-18 April, and the Manchester Cup on 21-22 April, which took place in Manchester, England.
His team won both tournaments.
Tyrique, a goalie for Old Mutual RFC, was selected by the South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa) to play for their under-16 team at the international tournaments.
An excited Tyrique spoke to the Daily Voice from Dubai on Wednesday just before boarding a flight home.
His under-16 team did very well, winning both tournaments.
The teen was very exci-
ted about their success, and said he could not have done it without his mom, their community and Mitchells Plain SAPS.
“The tour was really good and I enjoyed it. It was nice to see other parts of the world, the beautiful countries and places,” he says.
“The teams we played were very good and gave us a tough competition, but we were stronger and won both trophies.”
He says he feels honoured to represent the country on this platform, and just wanted to make his mom proud.
“I want to thank the Mitchells Plain community, my team and all our coaches and Mitchells Plain Police Station, but mostly my mom.
“I could not have done this without her support and just want to say I love her and appreciate all she has done for me,” he says.
His mother says she is bursting with pride.
“I am so very proud of him and I’m so happy for all the support we have gotten,” Tania says.
The teams arrived home on Thursday.
saafia.february@inl.co.za