Success Stories: Rising Stars at FTIFA

At FTIFA Football Academy, talent, hard work, and dedication are at the core of every success story. Today, we shine a spotlight on some of the rising stars who have thrived under the guidance of our experienced coaches and state-of-the-art facilities.

One such standout player is Leatile, who joined FTIFA as a promising young talent. Through intensive training sessions focused on skill development, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning, Leatile honed his abilities and elevated his game to new heights. His determination on the field and thirst for improvement have not gone unnoticed.

"My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve always believed God was guiding me. The first step was my development, and my family sacrificed a lot to give me the right opportunities. In 2019, I joined Tuks Sport High School, where I learned that talent alone wasn’t enough—I had to work hard to stand out. 2021 was a turning point. I played in the U15 Gauteng Development League and earned my first U17 national team call-up. After leaving Tuks in 2022 due to financial struggles, I continued pushing at Just 4 Keepers Academy, earning another national team call-up. That year, I created a wallpaper that read: “Leatile Bakwena will become a professional footballer by 18,” and I repeated it daily. 2024 brought setbacks, including an injury that kept me out of the U20 national team camp. During rehab, I planned my next move—FTIFA Cape Town. I arrived in September, fought through recovery, and made the most of my time. Though I didn’t secure a contract then, I never lost hope. In January 2025, I was called to trial at Township Rollers, the club I had supported since childhood. My mom even sent me an old photo of me as a kid standing next to their team bus, reminding me that I had once said I’d play for them. Three weeks later, I signed my first professional contract. The sacrifices, setbacks, and hard work had finally paid off, my dream was now a reality.”

- Leatile Bakwena