English Premier League giants Manchester City’s Under-21s are assessing British Football Academy youngster Khulekani Nxumalo in what will be a two-week trial.
The 18-year-old, who is soon to turn 19, has been impressing in the Durban Central Premier League and other competitions during his time at British, an academy based in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to his head coach, Siyabonga Mnganga, the Manchester City opportunity came about when the club’s legend, Yaya Touré, saw the youngster’s video clip.
He was impressed and presented it to his brother, Kolo Touré, another club legend, who also serves as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
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The Citizens’ representatives contacted the academy’s owners, who are also based in the UK, extending an invitation for a trial in Manchester.
“Yaya Toure saw footage of Sdah and reported his talent to Kolo Toure and then representatives of the club contacted Peter by instruction from Paul Banks, who’s part of international recruitment at Man City,” said Mnganga.
“Sdah [Nxumalo] will be training with the U21’s. The trial is two weeks long.”
He further revealed that Queens Park Rangers and Bolton Wanderers are also interested in the teenage sensation from iNchanga, situated halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Meanwhile, locally, Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu, and Durban City are the three teams that have expressed strong interest in the player.
“Sdah has had three teams heavily interested in him in S.A. namely: Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu and Durban City. Abroad, it’s been just interest from the U.K. Man City, Queens Park Rangers, and Bolton Wanderers,” he continued.
Nxumalo shared his delight, stating that competing in England has always been a lifelong dream and that he plans to give his all during the trial period.
“I’m so happy with this rare opportunity that has come my way, it’s so big that even my family are so happy for me,” said Nxumalo, as per the British Football Academy.
“It’s always been a dream to play in England, even at home they know. And this is the time to work even more harder.
“If I happen to join the club, it would be massive because, I’d be the first South African player to play for Manchester City. I feel that would also inspire others to believe that it’s possible.”
Story by Sinethemba Sithole (@Sinethembah_)
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