Hard work and dedication have finally paid off for local talented soccer player Mashudu “Augreo” Tshiovhe of Ramantsha Blackpool FC as he has been selected to play for the South African National U/17 team.

Mashudu played for Ramantsha Blackpool, which competed in Stream E of the Safa Vhembe league. His team finished in second position, with the 16-year-old striker from Tshikhwani village in the Sinthumule area making a significant impact.

The national U/17 team will face Lesotho on 16 and 18 August and play against Rwanda on 21 August. These matches are in preparation for the U/17 COSAFA Championships, which will be held in December.

During an interview last week, Tshiovhe expressed his desire to make a good impression, hoping to become a regular player for the South Africa National U/17 team. When asked about his dreams as a football player, Mashudu said that he would love to play for Bafana Bafana one day. He described his call-up to the national U/17 team as a step in the right direction. He is happy and excited about being in the national team for the first time and is ready to start preparations with the team for the upcoming matches.

He added that he had not expected the call-up. “I’m really grateful because this is something every player wants. I’m happy and excited. I’m determined to go there and learn everything. The first person I told was my team chairman, Mr Rendani Mutheiwana, because he always encouraged me to keep doing well and to keep fit. So, I have to take this opportunity and use it. We (Blackpool) played many tournaments, and we relax too, but I train even if it is by myself. I follow a schedule of the things I need to do every day,” he said.

The chairperson of Ramantsha Blackpool, Mr Rendani Mutheiwana, said that Mashudu's achievement was an honour for the team, his family, SAFA Vhembe, and the community as a whole.