Sundowns sign 13-year-old 'Messi'

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According to Sport24 online news, Mamelodi Sundowns have secured the signature of 13-year-old Thereso 'Messi' Chuene, who is set to join the Brazilians' development side in June.

According to Bosveld Review, the club head scout Trott Moloto traveled to Thereso's home in Lebowakgomo, Limpopo to meet with the Sundowns provincial scout Ike Pula, who had discovered Chuene during a local school tournament, and the boy's grandparents.

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Pula confirmed that Abafana Bastyle are in the process of trying to bring the player to Chloorkop before June, adding that Thereso is a great talent and could be the next big thing in South African football.

Pula was then quoted saying:

"The academy is keen to take the player to Pretoria before June this year. They are still busy trying to get him space at one of the primary schools in Pretoria so that he can start training with the team.

"The boy is very talented and I am certain that he will do well in soccer fraternity and make it big," Pula told Bosveld.

There so is believed to be an incredible talent for his age and his skill on the ball often compared to Barcelona star Lionel Messi, prompting the obvious nickname from his peers.

Jacob Mafalo, who coached Thereso at local club Mmakotse Ocean Gunners FC, also expressed his joy to see the young Chuene attract the attention of a Premiership club and advised him to work hard and stay level-headed.

"The boy never played in his age group because he was matured and strong enough to play against people older than him.

"There is a lot of talent in our province and I am happy to see such a young boy earning a spot in professional football. I believe in him and I would advise him to have discipline and work hard to make his dreams a reality," he said.