USL Nashville SC

Moloto Headed to South Africa in Offseason to Hold Chebeng Cup

Published on October 3, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


Many soccer fans could probably point to South Africa on a map. At the very least, they can tell you that South Africa was the host of the 2010 World Cup, becoming the first African nation to hold soccer's most prestigious tournament. But outside of vuvuzelas and "Bafana Bafana", fans probably can't tell you much about soccer in the country on the southern tip of Africa.

To Nashville SC attacker Lebo Moloto, soccer in South Africa isn't about the bright lights of mega stadiums broadcast around the world. It's about playing barefoot in the middle of his home village in Polokwane against the next village over. It's about doing whatever you can to get noticed, so you can maybe provide for your family. It's about fun, hope and most importantly, opportunity.

"Soccer basically came before chores," said Moloto. "Of course, it got me in trouble with my parents. I didn't have a pair of cleats until I was about 13 or 14 years old. Before that, I played barefooted. I don't remember how many times I would kick a rock and just throw some dirt on a bleeding toe and soldier on. It was normal. Playing in my village on a dirt field made me the soccer player I am today. I wouldn't trade growing up in South Africa for anything."

In December, Moloto will head back home, with wife Lauren and newborn son Josiah in tow, bringing with him some of that opportunity. Nashville's "No. 10" will hold a one-day clinic, named the "Chebeng Cup," for four U-15 teams of kids in Polokwane. He wants to give back to his community so those kids to have it a little better than he had it.

"During my prior visit home, I was informed of the drastic drop out rate of kids in my community," Moloto said. "I found soccer to be the common platform to talk to these kids about how important education is. It can be a bridge out of poverty, just as it was for me. It is important to me to give them hope that it is possible. I want to give these kids school uniforms so they do not have to worry about that as the school year approaches. These teams train throughout the year but have no equipment. I want them to have something to look forward to after school with proper equipment."

Moloto feels responsible to translate his success here in the U.S. back home to South Africa. He is asking for monetary donations to provide that hope and opportunity through the Chebeng Cup. Participants in the tournament will receive school uniforms, soccer equipment and food for the day of the tournament. Nearly $2000 of Moloto's $7000 goal has already been raised, but there is still a long way to go. Those wanting to donate can follow this link.

"I feel responsible to make my community better, if I have the power and means to do so," said Moloto. "That requires a lot of support. This trip is the first step to make bettering my community a reality."

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 3, 2018


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