Leeds Lentegeur FC president Dougie Petersen has seen countless youngsters come through the club’s junior ranks over the years.
Established in 2004 following a merger between Lentegeur FC and Leeds United, Petersen has always been at the forefront of youth development.
So imagine his surprise and delight when former club junior Cole Alexander, who recently signed with PSL side SuperSport United, came knocking with a pat on the back and a R10 000 cheque in his hand.
Petersen said the money will be used to buy basic necessities such as jerseys, cones, balls and training gear.
“It means a lot to the club that Cole has not forgotten about us and remembers where his soccer career all started,” he said.
Petersen said the club wants to continue developing and nurturing talent.
“We encourage all juniors to complete school and further their studies because education is key. If some of them becomeprofessional players, they have something to fall back on,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cole, a former Ajax Cape Town and Polokwane City midfielder, had nothing but praise for his former mentor.
He credits Petersen and his father, Brian, for making him the player that he is today.
“My father played a role from day one, when I started at the club as a five-year-old. Today he is still with club, coaching the juniors. Dougie (Petersen) also played an important role in my development, both on and off the field.
“He would always pick up my teammates and I for training and matches,” he said.
“It was something that I wanted to do a long time ago,” he said about the donation.