From North End To The National Stage: Lakham Gqongo Reacts To His National U20 Call-Up

The TS Galaxy defender Lakham Gqongo this week reflected on his rise from street football to the Amajita preliminary squad.“I was really happy and couldn’t believe that I was really called up until he sent me the invitation letter from SAFA. That’s when I started believing that it was true,” Gqongo said. For Gqongo, the call-up is not a reason to claim that he has already arrived. Instead, he sees it as confirmation that his work is moving in the right direction.

He remains cautious about the recognition, saying he has not done enough to feel any other way. What matters to him is the growth he can see in his game and the motivation he gets when people recognise his performances. “For me I have to stay grateful, grounded and always willing to grow,” he said.

A football education in Duncan Village

Gqongo’s football story began in Duncan Village, where he played in the streets with friends from a young age. The environment was not always easy, but he believes it taught him lessons that continue to influence him on and off the pitch. The people around him recognised his potential early and encouraged him to spend more of his time developing his football. That support, combined with the lessons of growing up in the township, helped him build both football ability and an awareness of the choices he needed to make.

The next major step came through the School of Excellence. Coach Nyindo travelled with the players from the Eastern Cape to Gauteng for trials, making the journey in his own car. The opportunity paid off when Gqongo was selected from a large group of players attending the trials.

The move into higher-level football has changed Gqongo’s understanding of the responsibility that comes with playing at centre back. He says the margin for error becomes smaller as the standard rises.

“As a centre back every mistake you make is punished, whereas in youth football you could get away with some mistakes,” he said.

Experienced players at TS Galaxy have played an important role in that transition. Their advice has helped him understand the mental demands of competing at a higher level and the importance of maintaining a strong mentality.

“Mistakes are part of the game, but a team that makes few mistakes often wins the game.”

Confidence is another part of his game. He believes his comfort on the ball allows him to make decisions that some centre backs might avoid, including taking calculated risks when building play.

But he is also aware of the areas he still needs to improve. His physical development, he says, has been an area coaches have repeatedly challenged him to work on as he prepares to face stronger forwards at the highest level.

Away from football, Gqongo is determined to maintain his education. He understands that a football career cannot last forever and says balancing school with the demands of the game is not always easy, but remains important to him.

That perspective is also reflected in how he views his progress. Rather than allowing attention to change him, he wants recognition to remain a reason to work harder.

A dream beyond the call-up

The preliminary call-up has strengthened Gqongo’s ambitions. His immediate target is to help the U20 side win the COSAFA Cup and secure progression to the Africa Cup of Nations. From there, he wants to compete for the AFCON title and ultimately reach the World Cup.

His biggest dream is to represent South Africa at senior level. He believes that if he remains humble, works harder and continues improving, a Bafana Bafana opportunity can become a reality. “If I can stay humble and work more hard, one day I will represent the country in the senior side,” he said.

What is his message to youngsters who look up to him?

“Anything is possible. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t reach the top. You have to work hard to reach your dreams.”

For now, Gqongo remains focused on the work. He says he is proud of the player he is becoming, especially the improvements in his game and his ability to remain grounded despite increased attention.

He has seen players lose focus after receiving recognition and is determined not to make the same mistake.

From the streets of Duncan Village to a national-team preliminary squad, the journey is still in its early stages. But for a young defender who has learned to value discipline, education and humility, the call-up represents more than recognition — it is another opportunity to show how far an Eastern Cape dream can travel