Cape Town City’s Emile Witbooi hurdles over the goalkeeper during a match. File picture
On December 15, at the ninth annual Galeshewe Gentlemen’s Dinner (GGD), successful men from various sectors will share their stories and inspire and empower young men, particularly those from households with absent fathers.
However, the event this year will also celebrate the blossoming potential of one of Kimberley’s young sons – teenage soccer player Emile Witbooi.
Pule Tau, who founded the event in 2016, said this year’s dinner will host a diverse array of honoured guests, including prominent figures from the business sector, sports community, arts fraternity and both the private and government sectors.
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And one person who very deservedly will be honoured is Emile – a young Kimberley, national and – if things continue on their current trajectory – a potential international jewel.
The young soccer star is one of the shining beacons who will be celebrated at the ninth GGD, under the category of Excellence in Sports.
This young man has proven himself to be resilient, focused and driven, qualities that make him a proper role model for his peers who are aspiring to be successful in sport. Emile’s example and work ethic can inspire youth who look up to him, want to be like him and emulate him as they push to become superstars in their area of interest.
Indeed he has already proven that great milestones in life are achievable, no matter where you grew up. Emile’s success was not handed to him on a platter. It came as a result of dedication and much hard work in the face of numerous hurdles.
It’s also important to consider that Emile is just an ordinary teenager who grew up in the tough and dusty streets within the township of Ga Kgosi Galeshewe. Yet, despite this apparent disadvantage he dug deep and managed to attain great things. He did not allow his background to determine his narrative.
The voice inside him was louder than the screams of adversity around him.
Yet, over and above an inborn resilience and determination, Emile’s football journey was boosted by positive influences. Chief among them was when he first started being coached by the well-known coach and talent scout, Rre Kagiso Matile – popularly known as ‘Spakes’ aka Spondosie.
It is well known that Coach Spakes spotted Emile’s God-given talent when the boy was just five years old. He took Emile under his wing at Spakes Development Centre and nurtured him until he was nine.
There’s so much more to be said about how Emile’s journey unfolded from the time he joined Tswharagano All Stars Football Club till today when he is receiving attention from major English Premier League clubs at just 16 years old, but what has to be highlighted is that even today, Emile remains a humble young man with big dreams for the future.
In fact, when asked what his dreams are, Emile said that he dreams of playing in the highest level of football, to make a name for himself in South Africa and to eventually play for the biggest clubs in the world.
And though this may seem overly ambitious to some, we could ask: If one has a talent, why would one not want to utilise it to its maximum?
Emile also emphasised that he would love to see himself playing overseas and being an internationally renowned football star.
For the youth attending the dinner or hearing about it, the message is simple: greatness is within reach. All it takes is the courage to dream, the determination to act, and the resilience to keep going, no matter the odds.
And as Emile himself embodies, the next chapter is always unwritten – full of limitless potential waiting to be realised.
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