Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search graduate Mwenya Chibwe has made his debut for Premier Soccer League side Platinum Stars, becoming the latest player from the talent search campaign to feature in the elite league.
Goalkeeper Chibwe was part of the initial Class of 2013 and was immediately signed by Stars after some fine displays for the Ke Yona Team during the sides encounter against the then Nedbank Cup champions, Kaizer Chiefs.
He spent a season on loan in the National First Division at Ga-Rankuwa United in 2014/15, but has now taken his bow in the big-time.
Stars coach Calvin Johnson introduced the 23-year-old off the bench after an injury to starting keeper Mbongeni Mzimela in the 3-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic.
Chibwe entered the fray in the 50th minute and kept a clean sheet in his maiden appearance, which will be a huge boost in confidence for him.
After joining Stars, Chibwe gave thanks to Nedbank for the role they had played in earning him a professional contract.
“I don’t think Nedbank realise what they have done for a young man like me. And not only for me, also for my community. Nedbank has changed my life and has also made up and coming stars in my community to believe that anything is possible,” Chibwe said.
He is not the only Nedbank Ke Yona Team player at Dikwena, defender Thamsanqa Gwabeni was part of the 2015 team and later joined Stars, making nine appearances for the side so far.
”The Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search is one of many ways in which Nedbank enriches and changes the lives of communities. We are proud of Mwenya’s milestone and hope to see more of him as one of many examples of how the Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search changes the lives of people” said Nedbank’s Football Sponsorship Manager, Tutu Skosana.
Entries to the 2017 edition of the Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search are currently open to players between the ages of 18 and 23 with a valid South African identity document. To enter for the Ke Yona Team Search, players can simply dial *120*539662# and follow the easy steps.
Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search Try Out Dates:
Date Province Stadium
Thursday, 27 April 2017 Gauteng Lucas Moripe Stadium
Saturday, 29 April 2017 Free State Seisa Ramabodu Stadium
Monday, 1 May 2017 Western Cape Athlone Stadium
Saturday, 3 May 2017 Eastern Cape Wolfson Stadium
Saturday, 20 May 2017 KwaZulu-Natal King Zwelithini Stadium
Saturday, 10 May 2017 Gauteng Rand Stadium
