Jomo Cosmos signs NWU Soccer Institute striker

National First Division (NFD), Jomo Cosmos FC now boasts a new addition to its squad - Thapelo Tlabakwe, an alumnus of the Soccer Institute on the North-West University's (NWU's) Mafikeng Campus.

The 23-year-old striker hails from Rustenburg, Phokeng Village, Dithabaneng section. The two-time Varsity Football Player during the 2014 and 2016 seasons kept the commentators on the edges of their seats with his excellent performance and his historical three goals in one match against Wits University.

This historical performance advanced the NWU Mafikeng team to the semi-finals during the 2016 Varsity Football season. Tlabakwe was also crowned the FNB Man of the Match for that particular game.

"Playing for a professional team is every young boy's dream. It's such a privilege to be joining the Jomo Cosmos family, and most importantly, to be given this great platform to show the whole country and the world my God-given talent," says the NWU Soccer Institute alumnus.

"Words fail to express my sincerity and gratitude towards the NWU Soccer Institute for giving me this opportunity and making my dreams come true. Without them, this wouldn't have been possible. I am also proud to be a Bachelor of Arts in public administration and human resources graduate and alumnus of the NWU. In essence, this shows that you can excel in academics and sport simultaneously," he adds.

Jomo Cosmos is a leading South African soccer team founded by the legendary former New York Cosmos star, Jomo Sono.

His policy for development has always been to recognise and develop raw talent, and has produced acclaimed soccer stars such as SuperSport FC's Reneilwe Letsholonyane. Sono's team, Jomo Cosmos FC, has developed a strong youth policy throughout the years. The Cosmos brand has gained a reputation for discovering and developing some of the finest talent to have played in the domestic league, for the South Africa national team and abroad.