Promising player aims to make his mark in the PSL

Doudy James say his number one mission is to graduate from Mamelodi Sundowns juniors and crack the nod for the PSL side.

Former Mitchell’s Plain Clinic of Excellence academy midfielder, Doudy James, 18, says making the starting 11 for Mamelodi Sundowns is a dream come through for a local kid from Bishop Lavis. 

On Easter Monday, ka bo yellow lost 5-3 on penalties in the final of the under-19 Bayhill Premier Cup against Highlands Park following a 1-1 draw at Erica Park sports field, in Belhar.

The Sundowns’ under-19 set piece specialist, Doudy, who dons the number 18 jersey, says he was scouted by Sundowns after a good performance at the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup final for John Ramsay High School last year.

Since then, the hard working youngster never looked back, based on his character on and off the field, the future looks bright.

Last Friday, on day three of the Bayhill Cup, he scored the winner during their 1-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town to help his side top group G ahead of the last 16.

After the match against the Urban Warriors, “Charra”, as locals call him, reached out to the fans on the far left of field A, and they greeted him with shouts of appreciation and respect for realising the dream of many Bishop Lavis youngsters.

On Sunday, Doudy scored again in a 3-0 win that helped Sundowns bury the hopes of Virginia Sports Academy and progress to the quarter-finals.

He contributed five goals for the Mamelodi giants, including three goals he was single-handedly responsible for.

The youngster says it was unfortunate his team did not win the Bayhill Cup, however, they showed a lot of hard work and determination throughout the tournament.

“I want to say to the other youngsters from Bishop Lavis they must not give up and there is a bigger world out there with many opportunities.

“We do not know where the scouts are, so every game you play you should put heart to build success in life,” he says.

“Unlucky about the final we know we put in a hundred percent. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.

“But we know we put in a hundred percent,” says Doudy.

The Bayhill Cup celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

The tournament was cancelled last year due to the drought.