“From Tsomo to the world,” declared Ncedo Mafanyana, the young star of Orlando Pirates, as the team touched down in the Netherlands for a week-long tour.
Their journey was a reward for a stellar season in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), where they clinched the championship title last May. Arriving on Saturday, the excitement was palpable among the players, who eagerly anticipated the challenges that lay ahead against some of the top academies in the Netherlands.
For 17-year-old Mafanyana, this marked his first trip outside South Africa. The anticipation leading up to the departure was unforgettable. “From the moment I found out I was part of the squad, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The night before we left, I barely slept,” he shared.
The flight, which felt long yet exhilarating, ushered him into a whole new world. “It was my first time flying this far and out of the country. We’re here not just to enjoy ourselves but to win matches. There will certainly be challenges, but we’re ready to face them and make the most of this experience.”
Raised in Tsomo Village in the Eastern Cape, Mafanyana made his way to Pirates in January after a stint with SuperSport United, now known as Siwelele FC. Before that, he donned the colors of Ubuntu Academy in the Western Cape.
Like many aspiring athletes, he dreams of gracing the big leagues and following in the footsteps of Diski Challenge alumni such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng, who recently signed with Chicago Fire in the US and Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, respectively.
“It won’t be an easy journey,” Mafanyana acknowledged. “But I aim to wear the first-team colors and eventually play abroad. I know it will require courage and hard work, but I believe it’s possible.”
As part of their itinerary, Pirates will face SB Vitesse Arnhem on 18 August at their Papendal training complex. Two days later, they will challenge Under-21 KNVB Dutch Cup winners, De Graafschap, at the Bezelhorst training complex in Doetinchem.
The tour will culminate in Rotterdam on 22 August with a mini-tournament at the Robey Academy, where they will meet Sparta Rotterdam and Yamanashi Gakuin High School from Japan.
Viwe Fetsha, another first-time traveler and Orlando West native, shared his enthusiasm.
“The flight felt like forever, but we were eager to reach the Netherlands. Now that we’re here, it's our time to showcase our talent. The coach emphasised that while these are friendlies, we need to aim for victory, not just participate. We’re thrilled to be here; this is going to be an incredible experience.”