Under-20 AFCON winner Kgomotso Modiba has been sent out to Brazilian club Fluminense in a rare initiative aimed at preparing the teenage for his next career moves.
Modiba is from Stars of Africa Academy and was in the Amajita squad which won the AFCON tournament played in May and secured qualification to the Under-20 World Cup in Chile from September 27 – October 19.
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After spending time with Familicao in Portugal, the 17-year-old has now moved on to train with Fluminense’s U20 team in Brazil.
"We are aiming high because we believe the boy is destined for the top," says Nadime Mahmoud, who is based in Portugal and holds an executive role at Stars of Africa.
"Since he is still not 18, he cannot sign for any team now but has been to FC Familicao here in Portugal to train.
"We want to prepare him to be in a good position to be selected for the World Cup squad and then the rest will come in January after he turns 18.
"We are preparing him in many ways, travelling, living in a different country, and eliminating the fear factor.
"Remember the boy is from Stars of Africa Academy, but we are aiming at getting him ready for the top.
"We have taken him Brazil now to get exposure training at high intensity so that he can also understand the game at that level.
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"He is training in a physically demanding space, so it is all preparation.
"This is the work that we do behind the scenes to produce these players with little support, and you have clubs coming to steal our players," says Mahmoud.
Fluminense has become familiar having played Mamelodi Sundowns on their way to reaching the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals.
Photo: Supplied
