Muir pupil’s Italian soccer dream a step closer
Lunathi, 16, has chance to try out for AC Milan and score study scholarship
A Muir College pupil’s hopes of achieving his dream of playing soccer in Italy moved up a notch after he qualified to attend the AC Milan trials in Europe.
Lunathi Knockpaal will soon be headed to Italy where he will compete alongside other aspiring soccer stars to score a scholarship and potentially be selected to join the
Italian club through the World Wide Scholarships programme.
This came after the grade 11 pupil’s supportive mother registered him to take part in the programme’s regional trials in East London last year.
Lunathi, 16, a passionate soccer player and avid fan of Italian soccer club AC Milan, said the opportunity gave him a glimpse of hope that his dream of one day playing for the team was possible.
“I am excited and shocked at the possibility,” he said.
“I love playing soccer more than anything.
“AC Milan is my favourite team and it’s my dream to play for them.”
Lunathi and several other players who made the cut will attend a four-week training camp in Johannesburg in July to polish their skills before they travel to participate in trials in Italy where they will potentially be scouted to join the illustrious club.
If selected, Lunathi will be awarded a scholarship by the World Wide Scholarship programme to study in Italy.
Lunathi started playing soccer when he was just seven.
He now plays for Shooting Stars in KwaNobuhle as a centre-attacking midfielder in the first division.
Out of about 12 games he has played since the start of this year, the youngster has scored four goals and made five assists.
His mother, Nobulali
Knockpaal, said the programme was a good opportunity for her son to do what he loved.
“It’s an opportunity that I don’t want him to lose out on because I feel like he’s destined for it. I have researched the programme quite well and it’s a great opportunity for him.
“It costs quite a lot but I am focusing on the fact that it’s something he truly loves and truly wants to do,” Knockpaal said.
She said it would cost at least R77,000 to cover the Johannesburg camp, travelling, visa arrangements and other costs for his trip to Italy.
“We are looking for sponsors who can assist us in anyway.
“We have asked family to also assist but there’s a lot to cover,” she said.
World Wide Scholarships facilitates international education opportunities for students who want to further their academic, sports or arts careers overseas.
The global agency offers assessment for suitable placement opportunities, connects with international institutions, on behalf of their clients, to negotiate for best scholarship opportunities.
It also offers a step-by-step breakdown of college and university enrolment procedures, support and tutoring for universities that require specific assessment scores.