Ahlumile Bashman
“I have learned that if you want to go far, growth is important, and so is taking risks and opportunities that help me improve.”
So said Ahlumile Bashman from Gugulethu, who at just 13-years-old has achieved remarkable success in soccer.
Ahlumile was named Player of the Year at Cape Town Spurs Youth Academy Awards and scored a brace to secure his first silverware for Sundowns at the under-13 Iber Cup in Gauteng last December.
His journey to one of South Africa’s top football clubs began when Sundowns scouts noticed his exceptional talent at the Kapstadt Cup.
Ahlumile’s rise to success is not without challenges. Moving to Pretoria officially for football and school earlier this month and away from his family at such a young age was daunting, but he said he has found his footing.
“At first, it was very difficult and I was stressed about moving to another city, but with time and adjusting, I am now fine,” Ahlumile told the Cape Times.
He expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him along the way.
“I want to give a big thanks to people who supported me from the beginning to where I am, and big thanks to Belinda King FC to Cape Town Spurs. I wouldn’t be here without them. I also want to thank my family and friends for their support,” he said.
Ahlumile’s mother, Khuzeka Bashman, recalled how her son’s passion for football started early.
“He started playing when he was 8-years-old at Belinda King FC. I quickly saw his talent. Even as a child, he would wake up in the morning and go straight to practice, even without changing his pyjamas or having breakfast,” she said.
Although the decision for Ahlumile to move to Pretoria was not easy, Bashman believed in her son’s potential.
“When this opportunity presented itself, it was very difficult for me to release him because he is still young, and I was afraid on his behalf. We never stayed apart from each other. I have never missed his games since he started playing football,” she added.
“I want to give thanks to Cape Town Spurs for giving him an opportunity to showcase his talent and potential. He wouldn’t be where he is if they did give him that opportunity because Sundowns saw him there,” she added.
Sibusiso Nkosi, who was Ahlumile’s coach at Belinda Kings Football Academy, shared his pride in his former player’s achievements.
“Our goal is to identify boys from the streets, train them to fit into developed institutions, and guide them through the journey,” Nkosi said.
Cape Times
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