Meet our own Bafana Bafana beach soccer champ

FOOTBALL NEWS - Zama Gagu of Idinga spent some time with one of our local soccer stars, Luyanda "Lakes" Mzolisa from George - the only Bafana Bafana beach soccer player in the region.

The 29-year-old said that when his grandmother passed away three years ago, he felt alone and heartbroken, but his football dream and his passion for the game did not diminish. Mzolisa was one of the regular senior players in the Pacs United Football Club. He played a pivotal role in Pacs United's previous Senior Men's Tournament, helping his side to reach the final stages. They walked away with the second prize of R8 000, while the champions, Black Cats FC, received R15 000.

Idinga: Luyanda, tell us what it is like to be the only Bafana Bafana beach soccer player in the region?

Mzolisa: First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me power and strength. It's a great honour for me to represent George and the region. Yeah, I grew up in a sports-loving family and always wanted to represent my country and see myself wearing South African colours. When I was a young star I met up with friends who were a bad influence. I thank God that I am no longer involved in that crowd, because I'm always busy with sport activities. Currently I am coaching kids. I often saw them playing street football, so I decided to start a youth soccer team in our area called United Stats Football Club. I don't want to see the boys growing up like I grew up. There are many challenges out there. As a leader, I always stress discipline and hard work, both on and off the field. I also encourage the boys to stay away from antisocial activities.

Idinga: Take us through your journey. Where and when did it all start?

Mzolisa: My life started to change when the soccer World Cup was in South Africa in 2010. I went for regional trials in Plettenberg Bay and was selected for the provincial team - the Western Cape beach soccer team. After that I was selected to play for the South African beach soccer team.

In that year I decided: no more bad friends, I'll focus on sport.

The South African Bafana Bafana beach soccer team. Lakes Mzolisa is standing at the back, 3rd from right in the no 2 jersey.