Kaizer Chiefs' young goalkeeper Bontle Molefe has credited coach Lee Baxter for his rise to the first team as he opened up about his experience thus far.
Molefe is currently an understudy to the likes of Itumeleng Khune, Daniel Akpeyi and Bruce Bvuma after being promoted to the first-team last year at the age of just 16.
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The 17-year-old remains the youngest member of the Amakhosi senior squad and is still navigating his way through school as a Grade 11 pupil, only instead of attending school he is now learning from home.
"I was at Verney College and due to my promotion to the first-team, I had to do home-schooling. I am now in Grade 11 through the Mulbarton Home-School Centre," Molefe explained to Chiefs' website.
The lanky teenager has yet to make his professional debut for the Soweto giants, but his promotion at such an early age may suggest he is the next 'Itu'.
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Opening up on his journey, the club's reserve team number-one has paid tribute to Baxter for his guidance and nurturing in his early career, as he opened up on the challenges of being a young professional at The Village.
"I have a few coaches that are very supportive on and off the field. I am also happy to see very talented individuals in the junior system who are looking for a breakthrough into the first team just like me. It is good to be a shining light," he added.
"Coach Lee Baxter truly has faith in me and has been instrumental in my promotion to the first team. He had been eyeing me since I entered the development system.
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"It is not easy at all. The pressure of being a professional soccer player is a lot. As a youngster in the system, I wish to advise other youngsters, who are looking to be professionals, to be better prepared mentally and otherwise."