In a momentous development for the Buffalo City Region, four talented boys from the Carlos Soccer Development Academy in East London are preparing to travel to Scotland for an assessment at Livingston Football Club. The young athletes—Akhathina Liema, Akhumzi Mangali, Onela Xego, and Sipho Abulele—will embark on their journey in September during the school holidays.
Livingston Football Club, known for its strong youth development programs, is the mother club of Aphelele Teto, who is currently on loan to Betway Premiership side Chippa United. Teto’s roots trace back to the Carlos Soccer Development Academy, where he first honed his skills, demonstrating the academy’s proven track record in nurturing football talent.
The boys’ upcoming assessment at Livingston FC is particularly significant for the Buffalo City Region, which lacks a professional football club. This opportunity not only highlights the potential of these young athletes but also brings attention to the region’s capacity for producing future football stars.
The Chairman of Carlos Soccer Development Academy, Eric “Carlos” Mtshamba, expressed his excitement and pride: “It is an honor to have a direct connection to Europe, especially Scotland. It is a dream come true for Carlos Academy boys regardless of not having a full-time professional football club in East London. Aphelele Teto opened doors for them in Scotland; they don’t have to go via a PSL Club to Europe. I can happily pick up my phone and recommend promising young players to Livingston FC as I have a close family relationship with them.”
Mtshamba further added, “I was privileged to take Teto to Scotland and spent days with his club, Livingston FC, and build a relationship with the family regarding grooming players for them in South Africa and also possibly a partnership in the future.”
The Chairman’s words echo the sentiments of many within the academy and the broader community, who see this as a landmark moment not just for the four boys but for the future of football development in East London.
As they prepare for their assessment in Scotland, the entire Carlos Soccer Development Academy stands behind Akhathina, Akhumzi, Onela, and Sipho, ready to support and cheer them on. This experience will provide them with invaluable exposure and the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.
The boys’ journey to Livingston FC marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, one filled with potential and the possibility of making a significant impact in the world of football.
