Chippa United have rewarded their teenage DStv Diski Challenge star, Asanele Bonani, with a senior contract.
The Masiphathisane High School grade 11 pupil started training with the Chilli Boys first team this week.
Motherwell’s Bonani, who plays as a left-wing and a centre forward, said the senior contract came as a big shock to him, however it had proven to him that hard work paid off.
He said he could not wait to make his debut in the DStv Premiership.
“I joined Chippa’s MDC side last March, I never thought I’d ever get a professional contract at a young age,” Bonani said.
“I guess I was signed by the first team because of how I play and I deserve to play for them.
“I’ve always looked up to Mogakolodi Ngele, Bienvenu Eva Nga and Thabiso Lebitso and now being in the same environment as them and training with them it’s like a dream come true.
“Because I have always wanted to play alongside them, so that will happen as time goes on.
“My family is also very happy for me, they have been very supportive throughout my football journey.
“It makes me happy as well to make them proud.”
Before joining the Chilli Boys DStv Diski side, Bonani played for Liverpool in the Motherwell Local Football Association.
Chippa interim coach Kurt Lentjies welcomed Bonani and said he was excited to have him in the team.
“It’s a fantastic signing for the club,” he said.
“I mean it just shows the club’s ambition and vision of where they want to be by signing a 17-year-old boy to play and to have a PSL contract.
“It’s a massive achievement for the club and for him as well, so a big congratulations to him as well.
“I am happy and excited to have him, but obviously we have to be careful with the boy.
“We can’t just throw him in at the deep end from day one.
“He has joined the first team training session after graduating from the Diski side, so we are excited for him.
“The senior players have a big responsibility to guide him in the right direction.”
Chippa next play Kaizer Chiefs in a league fixture in Gqeberha on April 2.
They are now four points clear of the danger zone with 21 points under the belt.
HeraldLIVE
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