'Playing in the Diski Challenge has changed my life'

Chippa united reserve league striker, Thulani Mini says playing in the Diski challenge has transformed his life significantly. He says he now believes that dreams can be achieved.

Mini was the first recipient of the man of the match award against Black Leopard where he scored an opening goal for the Chilli Boys last Saturday at Giant stadium in Soshanguve. The New Brighton lad could have scored more as he had several chances to add to his tally.

This is Mini’s second season with the Port Elizabeth-based side. He was among the players who couldn’t exhibit their talent more on the field due to his commitment to matric.

He says this time around, he will use every chance he gets and score 15 goals or more before the end of the season.

“I’m aiming at scoring 15 goals, it’s possible. I just need to work hard,” says Mini.

The 19-year-old says the DStv Diski Challenge did not only give him an opportunity on the field, but also exposed him to other things such travelling with an air aircraft.

“Some of us didn’t even know what hotels looked like, but this league has introduced us to things which did not experience while playing in the township. This is a privilege for some of us, we are still learning more even about the game", says the resolute Mini who used to be a winger but was later converted to being a striker.

He says if he continues to get more man-of-the-match awards, he will share his boots vouchers with those players who don't have boots, since he knows the pain of not owning soccer boots.

Mini will approach every game as the final match in the Diski Challenge as he wishes to play in the first team and join players such as Ronaldo Maarman, Xabiso Soldaat and 17-year-old Kaydon Francis, who were promoted from the Diski Challenge to the first team.

It is an achievable dream as many more young players, inluding the likes of Goodman Mosele from Baroka FC, have climbed the ladder to being named young promising player of the year.

Mini concluded by saying he wants to live a disciplined life as many young lads in the township look up to him. He highlighted that he will continue with education next year, where he wants to do Sport management course.

Chippa United will be hoping to collect maximum points away when they lock horns against the in-form SuperSport United at home on Sunday.

The game will be played Lucas Morepe Stadium. Mini believes that they are more than ready for this encounter.