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Ten-year-old Mthokozisi on course for success

FOCUSED: Young golfer Mthokozisi Siphayi is quick to learn
FOCUSED: Young golfer Mthokozisi Siphayi is quick to learn

WHILE his peers are dreaming about becoming future pop stars, Mthokozisi Siphayi's aspiration is to become a revered golfer.

At 10 the youngster from Glenvista, southern Johannesburg, has already made ground in the junior tournaments.

He wants to follow in the footsteps of respected golfers like South African Ernie Els and former No 1 Tiger Woods.

And he strongly believes he has what it takes to become a top golfer. Mthokozisi draws inspiration from his uncle, Siphiwe Siphayi, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Woods and Els at a young age.

"Golf is in the family considering that my grandfather, who is also my inspiration (Kenny Siphayi), also played the sport," said the youngster, a pupil at Glenanda Primary School in Johannesburg.

"I practise every day after classes and being involved in golf does not affect my studies.

"I like golf because you are your own boss and you take responsibility for your mistakes as an individual."

His uncle, who now plays golf recreationally, was in the Ernie Els Foundation team that was hosted by Woods in Chicago in 2004.

Siphiwe was also among the four golfers who were part of a South African Junior Golf Foundation team that competed at the junior tournament in Japan.

Mthokozisi's coach, Rocky Tlhabanyane, has described his charge as "very talented".

"He has powerful retention in terms of memory and this helps him understand fast," Tlhabanyane said.

"He is very competitive. His weakness is his eagerness to be a perfectionist. In golf, it's all about passion and perseverance. But he has a very bright future," said Tlhabanyane, who coached Simphiwe when they were in the US.

The youngster, who has a 20 handicap in the C Division, had a hectic schedule in December where he proved his mettle in youth tournaments organised by Central Gauteng Golf Union.

He came first in Modderfontein, at the Wanderers and Royal Johannesburg and second best in Krugersdorp and Bryanston. He is currently involved in the Sanlam Glacier Junior Golf Series.

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