In 2005 a reality TV soccer competition called Soccer Kings was broadcasted across the country in an attempt to identify the best players born in 1986 in the country. But little did they know that the eventual winner would turn into something greater.
Trials were held countywide, and the selected hopefuls were handed an opportunity to be trained by professional coaches over a selected period of time.
The practice matches were beamed live on our screens and the fans had to vote for their "Soccer King"…
Limpopo-Born Eric Macheru was the eventual winner of the talent identification programme, and as a result of winning the competition; the youngster got an opportunity to train with English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspurs before signing for a club of his choice in the PSL.
Macheru chose Ajax Cape Town, however, his career was curtailed by injury before getting off the ground.
Today, though, Macheru acts on SABC1's drama Skeem Sam as Leeto Maputla and it just goes to show that there is such a thing as life after football if you overcome your hurdles.
Do you think Macheru would have made it far in football?
