Youth offers such promise but also the peril of expectation.
Luke Baartman scored for Cape Town Spurs against Kaizer Chiefs to become one the youngest goalscorers in South African history.
A product of the Cape Town Spurs development structure, the pacy Baartman is still at school and due to write exams soon.
At 17 years, 4 months and 27 days, Baatman was the fifth-youngest player to score in South African domestic competitions when he netted against Chiefs.
Who were the four younger players to score in South Africa?
4. Lyle Foster
The current Burnley striker scored for Orlando Pirates on January 20 2018 against Polokwane City in a 1-1 draw.
He was just 10 days younger than Baartman at 17 years, 4 months and 17 days. Foster is currently out of action, as Burnley have stated he is receiving treatment for a mental health issue.
3. Asive Langwe
Wits University have a world-class scouting network that still operates even after their professional status was erased by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila Football Club.
At17 years, 3 months 26 days, Asive Langwe scored for The Students in a 2-0 over Free Stars Stars on October 16 2010. Still just 30, Langwe was last seen playing in the SAB Leagues.
2. Siyabonga Mabena
The second-youngest on the list scored his first DStv Premiership goal two months before Spurs' Baartman. Siyabonga Mabena was 16 years, 7 months and 9 days old.
Mabena slotted home in the final minute against Stellebosch FC in a 3-1 win. Like Baartman, the wait is on to see how they mature.
1. Mkhanyiseli Siwahla
At 15 years, 5 months and 22 days Mkhanyiseli Siwahla scored on debut against Dynamos in a cup tie in 2004.
His career would not flourish, unfortunately. Daily Sun reported how transfer debacles, contract terminations and off-field troubles stifled his development.
As of September 2022, Siwhla had been given a chance to continue his career at Bokone FC in Brits, who play in the ABC Motsepe League.
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