The talented cum-midfielder Sello Diphoko from the town of Soutpan continues his meteoric rise to stardom in football. He has secured a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ply his trade in the United States, while continuing his studies.
Diphoko (22), had been enrolled at the University of the Free State (UFS), received a full scholarship to study at the University of the Incarnate Word – a private, Catholic university with its main campus in San Antonio and Alamo Heights, Texas.
The institute was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
The Kovsie talisman enjoyedgot a memorable sendoff by teammates at a function held at the university on Saturday (27/08).
Diphoko’s unprecedented move abroad is credited to his impressive form that propelledinspired the Kovsies men’s team to the final of the Varsity Football competition last year.
However, his team lost by 1 – 4 to the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
Diphoko’s exploits include is memorable winningtwo prestigious accolades: the Golden Boot award for the most goals scored in the competition, and being crowned the FNB Varsity Football player of the tournament ahead of teammates Thabo Lesibe and Nkosinathi Sibiyaof (UJ). He won man of the match prizes in-between.
Diphoko set the competition ablaze on debut year.According to Godfrey Tenoff, head of football at KovsieSport, Diphoko’s dream move to pursue a football career and education is the very best thing ever.
“He was scouted during the 2021 Varsity Football competition by Kiki Lara, a former professional teammate of mine. Top teams in the Premier Soccer League wanted him, but could not package a deal that we thought he was worth and that involved university completion. So, we decided to go with the offer from America.
“He is a classic example of what happens when hunger and preparation meet opportunity,” said Tenoff.
Express
reliably
reliably learnt that Kaizer Chiefs was among the front runners to secure a signature from Diphoko. Molefi Ntseki, Chiefs’ head of technical and youth development, was seen at the Kovsie games.
Tenoff, who had a stint in America studying and also playing football from 1996 until 2009, believes Diphoko was destined for greatness. Together with the current UFS football coach, Tebogo Motsamai, he scouted the talented player.
“It took us less than 29 minutes to sign him from a try-out. I love that Sello is from Soutpan. It says that we are not doing enough for talent identification in South African football.
“The young man was hungry, disciplined and willing to learn. He did not think that he could go to university with his matric results.
“We changed the course of his life by helping him get into our UFS preparation programme,” said Tenoff.
He credits Motsamai for improving Diphoko’s football career.
“Motsamai is a former striker, and the timing for Sello was perfect. Motsamai was coaching his movement, making it effective in his first season with Kovsies. Diphoko was our highest goal scorer and the Varsity Football player of the year in 2021.”
Diphoko emulated last year’s rich vein of form, scoring vital goals to see inspire Kovsies through another semifinal of the Varsity Football competition. He jetted off to America, having also wonwinning at least two man of the match prizes.
The latest was against in the team’sKovsie’s 3 – 2 victory over Wits last Thursday.
I love that Sello is from Soutpan. It says that we are not doing enough for talent identification in
South African football. – Godfrey Tenoff
