Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has confirmed a deal in the DStv Premiership for one of the exciting young talents from the province.

Diya, as Mabuyane is fondly known, has confirmed that young Aphelele Mhlaba from Engcobo has signed a professional contract with TS Galaxy.

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Mhlaba is a product of the Carlos Soccer Youth Development Academy and is the second player from the academy to join Galaxy after Aphelele Teto was signed last year. 

"I want to take this moment and congratulate Aphelele Shaka Mhlaba from Manzana in Ngcobo, who signed a new contract with TS Galaxy Football Club today. He is the second player from Carlos Soccer Youth Development Academy to sign with the team. The Academy previously produced Aphelele Teto from Scenery Park squatter camp, who also signed with TS Galaxy FC in January last year (2021). We wish them both the very best in this exciting journey ahead," said Mabuyane in a statement on his official Fcebook page.

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"I commend the great work being done by Coach Carlos (Eric Carlos Mtshamba), who founded this non-profit academy, based in East London, back in 2014. His specific objective was to develop young players from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are talented and passionate about playing soccer professionally. The passion he has for working with young people is amazing and the results speak volumes," reads the statement.

"We urge business and investors to take note and support the good work of this Academy. Imagine how many more young ones would thrive, if it had support with resources. Let us keep them off the streets and develop them with something they can cherish for the rest of their lives," said Mabuyane. 

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