From Bracken High to AFCON glory
Patrick Autata (20), a former learner of Bracken High School, has made the entire greater Alberton area proud by captaining the South African U20 football team to a historic win against Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations( AFCON) tournament.
On May 18, Autata led his team, Amajita, to a 1-0 victory over Morocco at the Cairo Stadium in Egypt.
Patrick Autata grew up in Brackenhurst and matriculated at Bracken High in 2023.
His passion for football grew as he played on the streets of his neighbourhood.
'I grew up playing street football; my friends and I would place bricks in the road; those were our goalposts, and we would develop our skills. All South African boys of all races do this growing up if they love football. I represent all those boys,' said Autata.
The remarkable achievement of winning the tournament marks the first time South Africa has won the U20 AFCON title, and it's a testament to Autata's exceptional leadership skills and sportsmanship.
'This is a collective achievement. We did it as a team. Every player used their skill to help the team. We could not have done this without one another,' said Autata.
Before joining Bracken High School, Autata attended Glenview Primary, where he excelled in sports. During his time at Bracken High, he represented the school at the highest levels in rugby and soccer, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Autata has been making waves in South Africa football, and his future looks bright.
Autata's humility and dedication to his craft have earned him recognition as a great ambassador for young football players in the Alberton area.
Interestingly, Autata has also been making a name for himself in the football world, having reportedly signed with Cape Town City FC.
The 20-year-old midfielder's dominant performances for TS Galaxy's U19 in the Gauteng Development League team and DStv Diski Challenge side caught the attention of the Citizen, who anticipates that his leadership and midfield prowess will be valuable assets in their pursuit of the DDC league title.
As Amajita prepares to represent South Africa and the African continent at the U20 World Cup later this year, Autata and his team are surely riding high on the momentum of their AFCON win.
With their historic win, they've proven that South African football is on the rise, and fans can't wait to see what's next for these talented young players.
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