Lwandle Yende, the son of late Kaizer Chiefs dribbling wizard Emmanuel ‘Scara’ Ngobese capped off what has been an incredible year for him by sweeping clean at the Bafana United Soccer Academy end-of-the-season awards held on Monday.
The 14-year-old youngster walked away with three awards for his impeccable displays in the 2021/22 season and was rewarded for his efforts at United Soccer Academy’s 15th awards ceremony.
‘Scara’ Jnr was voted as the Most Skilful Player, collected the academy’s Achievement Award, and was awarded the coveted Player Of the Season honour.
Having joined the academy at 11 years old when he took it upon himself to ask if he could join up because of his passion for the game. What also helped was that the majority of the players all stayed close to his place in Thokozain Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. What is clear that 2022 has gone on to become bigger and better for Yende.
His mentor, Sibonelo Sithole, who is also the Head Coach and Chairman at the academy, wasted no time in contacting Amakhosi to invite Yende for trials which saw the Soweto giants snap him up immediately for their Under 17 side under the watchful eye of coach Vela Khumalo.
In his young and already-looking promising career, ‘Scara’ Jnr has now ‘revamped’ the look of his trophy cabinet with a total of 13 medals and seven trophies since joining the academy three years ago.
Brimming with pride after what has been a successful year, Yende told ThisIsFootball.Africa:
“The year 2022 was amazing for me when it comes to football because I was able to fulfill my dreams to train with Kaizer Chiefs and my year was also amazing in education because I made it to the next grade which is Grade 10,” he said.
“The Player of the Season award meant the most because it shows my hard work and love for the team and it’s not easy to win the player of the season award while you’re playing with so many quality players.
“My grandmother was happy when she saw my awards and she supports me and wishes me the best in my football career, so I’m trying hard to make her proud.
In closing, ‘Scara’ Jnr hoped to get a chance to crack it at Amakhosi saying, “I don’t know if they [Chiefs] will notice the talent I have but surely when I am given the chance to return and train with the team I’ll sure show them what I’m capable of. I am sure about it.
After such an impressive run for the talented youngster this year, 2023 surely will see the young Scara set the bar even higher.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Scara Ngobese’ Son Talks Playing Chiefs