Wing Francis debut for ’ Chippa a dream come true
Schauderville-born wing Kayden Francis turned his dreams into reality when he made his first appearance for Chippa United in the DStv Premiership on Sunday.
His big moment arrived in the fixture against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The 17-year-old player came on in the 78th minute, replacing Tsietsi Khooa, to make his eagerly-awaited debut in the league.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw. The grade 11, Westview High School pupil said he had admired Chippa since their arrival in the Bay in 2014.
“Playing on Sunday was a dream come true, because when I was little I used to watch Chippa play and now I am a Chippa United player,” Francis said.
“I was nervous when the coach called me up, but he told me to just do the basics like passing and crosses.”
Francis landed his first professional contract at the start of the season.
Before then he had a short stint at ABC Motsepe League side Peace Makers, where he made three appearances before joining Chippa’ s MDC team.
It only took two matches in the MDC team for Francis to convince coach Lehlohonolo Seema that he was first team material.
Francis joins the list of other local players such as Gregory Damons and Xolani Mahola who have made a name for themselves in the Chilli Boys first team.
New signing Vuyolwethu Dinge of Motherwell has made only two appearances for Chippa, while Akhona Manqola and Masixole Nkewana have yet to make their debut in the team this season.
“I want to reach my goal which is to go overseas,” Francis said.
“This season I want to score goals and be a regular in the team.
“The team spirit is very motivating. We are like brothers; we look after each other.”
He said older players such as Andile Mbenyane and Frederic Ntsambambva had been great mentors during his stay at the Chilli Boys.
Francis said since joining the first team he had been taught discipline, respect and hard work.