Virginia Academy Goalkeeper Selected for U17 World Cup in Qatar
Sello Mokhobo, goalkeeper for Virginia High School (VHS) and Virginia Sports Academy (VSA), has been named to the U17 national football team, the Amajimbos, for the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar. The tournament runs from 3 to 27 November.
Sello joined VHS and VSA in 2024 at age 16 and quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper for the school's first team. Earlier this year, he was part of the preliminary squad for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, alongside teammates Oageng Lebesane and Lisolethu Tshangela.
“The national call-up has been a proud moment for Virginia High School, Virginia Sports Academy, and the Virginia community as a whole,” said team manager Ngakane Lekhoba.
“His dedication, sportsmanship, and camaraderie have paid off. He has set a platform for the next generation of talent to make it in the national team,” Lekhoba added.
Sello follows in the footsteps of VSA alumni Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates) and Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), who received their first national call-ups while at the academy and now play regularly for the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
For over 21 years, VSA has been instrumental in developing players who have advanced to the national team and professional leagues such as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and National First Division (NFD).
Author’s summary: Sello Mokhobo’s rise to the U17 national team highlights the continued success of Virginia Sports Academy in nurturing top football talent for both national and professional levels.