04 Sep 2024

Founder of Umlilo Academy of Soccer, Rakitla Bogatsu has appealed for assistance from the community, parents and the business community to rally behind their course to secure safer and improved sports facilities and accommodation for their young athletes. 

The Mochudi based academy, which is a voluntary service to any child is now a home to over 160 children undergoing development in football. 

Speaking in an interview, Bogatsu said currently, the academy that has nurtured scores of talent since its establishment in 2011, was in dire need of assistance. 

He said the team utilises Mmadipano Primary School grounds, but has applied for a piece of land since 2018. 

This presents significant challenges for the academy that has plans to be well established. 

“Therefore, the academy’s pressing need for a new field stems from a paramount concern to enhance the safety and quality of our training grounds,” he said. 

Bogatsu also emphasised the critical need for proper sports equipment, such as soccer balls, training gear and equipment for a holistic development of young athletes as well as financial assistance to provide allowance for trainers. 

Since its establishment, it started with 46 boys trained in three categories and the numbers have since increased, as currently there were five categories of Under 13, 15 and 17 senior boys and girls teams. 

Bogatsu said there were children coming from the surrounding villages and some coming from as far as Tsabong who struggled with accommodation. 

On the brighter side, he said some sponsors have been coming handy and that recently, First Capital Bank sponsored the team through their Corporate Social Responsibility programme by giving out 27 pairs of soccer boots. 

Another Good Samaritan, he said has been the assistance from Bakgatla Bolokang Matshelo, which has allowed the academy to utilise their piece of land and water for horticultural produce. 

He said this would empower these young out-of-school youth to be engaged because the academy does not only foster sporting excellence but also prioritises other development pursuits to young people coupled with instilling values such as discipline, hard work, leadership, and accountability. 

“We firmly believe in shaping well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field. We are trying our best to take some of these children out of the streets,” Bogatsu added. 

The academy has a track record and boasts impressive achievements of having had some of its players selected for the National Under 17 boys’ team and some selected for Under 17 girls’ team in 2021. 

“Some of them are playing in the First Division where there is an allowance,” he said. 

He said financial assistance would also come in handy in delivering the academy’s mandate to encourage young people to work hard and be competitive, as they host awards annually to motivate them. Ends