This earned him the man of the match award. That youngster is Luther Singh and is the name on the lips of all South African soccer fans.

He was also the top goal-scorer for Amajita at the Cosafa Cup under-20 tournament last year and is currently playing club soccer for SC Braga in the Portuguese league.

Singh’s story is one of being noticed at the right time, and being given opportunities to show his ability.

In his formative years, two organisations loom large. They are Farouk Khan’s Stars of Africa Academy and Bree Primary School, winners of the 2009 Danone Nations Cup World Finals which took place in 2010 in Soweto.

Singh, together with another youngster were brought to Khan at the age of 11 by Sing’s father who knew the boys would thrive under Khan’s style of coaching.

Khan took them into the boarding house at his academy and sent them to Bree Primary for their schooling. The one youngster was not there for long as he was homesick, but Luther stuck it out and relished the opportunity he was given.

“It was tough for Luther,” Khan said. “The other players in the hostel were all older, between the ages of 14 and 16, but he did not let this get him down. He was eager, determined and learnt quickly.”

In 2009 Bree principal, David Kalicharan entered the school into the under-12 Danone Nations Cup soccer tournament where the school emerged national champions. The world finals were played in 2010 and Bree emerged victorious beating Switzerland 2 – 0 in the final match to bring home the trophy.

Singh played a major part in Bree’s success that year. “I went to watch all his games and saw how he matured and gained in confidence over the few days of the world finals,” Kahn said.

“The tournament played a big part in his early development. He was able to show what he was capable of in an international environment. He rose to the occasion. Too many good players buckle under such pressure and give up. Not Luther, he thrived on the opportunity and went all out to show his best side, and his drive to win. I then knew he would go far one day,” said Khan

Khan believes the Danone Nations Cup tournament is so valuable because it gives players their first opportunity to meet players from other countries and to measure themselves against them.

“It’s so important to have tournaments such as the Danone Nations Cup and I do not believe sponsors of this kind get enough recognition for the important work they do,” he said.

Luther is at the right place at the moment, Khan believes, “He is an unbelievable child with loyal parents who want the best for him. Going to a top club immediately is not always good. It’s better to take it one step at a time. At 17 Luther went to Sweden and is now in Portugal. I believe that is the best place for him at the moment. “

A bright future lies ahead of Luther Khan, but he is still only 19, Khan cautioned. “He’s doing well, but we mustn’t put too much pressure on him. He has to remain grounded and focus on growing as a player.”

It’s a process that began at Bree Primary in the Danone Nations Cup 7 years ago and one that’s shaping up to produce another South African sporting hero.