JAMES MAHLOKWANE
Six distinctions including 99% in mathematics and 97% in physical science helped Mandla Phiri put Themba, Hammanskraal, on the map.
"I want to see myself working for Nasa in the United States after completing my degree in Mechanical Engineering and specialising in Aeronautical Engineering," said the youngster who sacrificed his love for soccer to secure tertiary education.
Phiri's school Principal Daphne Choene from Sikhululekile Secondary School said he could foresee Phiri's success three years ago.
"This young man is one of those learners you know as early as grade 10 that they were going to have a great future. His dedication and discipline was just out of this world. He was part of Investec's academic support group called Kutlwanong. They told me early last year that they were giving me something special here. He has made me, the school staff and Themba as a community is very proud,"
Phiri is still only 17-years-old and already has nice problems, like picking one bursary package over another.
He said he already made a decision to study at the University of Pretoria and he could not wait to showcase his academic capabilities at tertiary level.
The youngster said: "To be honest I loved playing soccer very much. I was in the stages of securing a place in a soccer academy. I was advised about the risk of opting to put more effort into soccer than my studies. I realised that both (education and sport) were demanding but it was not wise to risk going through life without the academic qualifications I needed. My cousin told me about a guy who sustained an injury early in his soccer career and struggled thereafter because he did not have the tertiary education he needed,"
Phiri said he was proud of the career decision he took and was grateful of the support his family and teachers showed him.
He said his mother, Maite Phiri, knew of his potential and gave him much love when necessary.
"My mother believed in me so much. She would wake me up and put me to study when I was being lazy. I needed that push and that's why I am lucky to have her in my life,"
Phiri said he was ready to conquer the world and to work hard to change his family's lifestyle and hopefully make lots of money to reward himself.
His mother said: "I am so proud of my boy. He is the first in my family to get distinctions. I knew from an early age that he was a star in the making. I couldn't be prouder,"