Northern Cape trio selected for National Under-15 Soccer trials to compete in African Schools Championship

THREE rising soccer stars from the Northern Cape have earned national honours after being selected for the South African Under-15 squad heading to the prestigious African Schools Championship in Ghana later this month.

Calib Markus (Steinkopf High School), Leonay Kock (SAFA High Performance Centre, Kimberley), and Rebalehohonolo Mocumi (Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School) impressed at a recent national training camp, earning their places in the team.

The tournament will take place in Accra from April 25, where the squad will represent South Africa against top youth talent from across the continent.

In a joint congratulatory message, the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture in the Northern Cape, Mangaliso Matika, along with the NC Football Association Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), commended the trio on their achievement.

“This achievement is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and the immense talent you possess,” said MEC Matika. “We are incredibly proud of you and your selection for such a high-profile tournament. Your success not only brings pride to your families and communities but also serves as an inspiration to many young athletes across the province.”

Matika also wished the players the very best in their final preparations, expressing full confidence that they will represent the Northern Cape and the country with honour, skill, and determination.

Brenda Mafunisa, the Provincial Executive Officer of the Northern Cape Football Association, also praised the players and urged continued support for grassroots development in the province.

“We commend the hard work of football structures across the province that helped develop this talent,” said Mafunisa. “But to take this progress further, we need more support – from government and the private sector. Football development requires strong clubs, qualified coaches, trained referees, and skilled administrators.

"Capacity-building programmes are essential if we want to keep producing athletes of this calibre.”

The selection of Markus, Kock, and Mocumi has not only brought joy to their schools and local communities but has also shed light on the growing talent emerging from the Northern Cape – a province often overlooked in national soccer circles.

The entire province is now rallying behind these young stars, who have become beacons of hope and ambition for many aspiring footballers. As the countdown to Ghana continues, all eyes will be on these three talented athletes, whose journey reflects the power of perseverance, support, and opportunity in sport.