From the dusty streets of White City in Utrecht to the grand stage of
South African football, 17-year-old Alwande Booysen has taken an
extraordinary leap.
Just months after competing in the Engen Knockout Challenge, he made his
professional debut for Golden Arrows against giants Kaizer Chiefs—a rise
that highlights both his natural talent and the mentorship that shaped his
journey.
Vincent “Masenti” Myeni, founder of Midlands Academy, still recalls the
first time he spotted Booysen playing barefoot on the gravel of White
City. The youngster’s ability was undeniable, but his life lacked
direction. Stepping in, Myeni offered him a home, enrolled him at
Alexandra High in Pietermaritzburg, and introduced him to structured
development—an opportunity many township kids never receive.
Booysen’s breakthrough came at the Engen tournament. “He was only 15 when
he made the squad,” Myeni remembers. “He didn’t play much, but being part
of the team that reached the final built his confidence and sharpened his
game.”
From there, his rise was relentless: U-15, U-17, then the SAB League,
before stepping into the ABC Motsepe League. By 16, he was already scoring
goals in senior football, confirming the promise Myeni had seen from day
one.
That promise became reality on 30 August 2025.
Introduced as one of Arrows’ youngest-ever debutants, Booysen played 26
unforgettable minutes in a narrow 1-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs.
“We were ecstatic,” said Myeni. “The whole community, the academy, even my
family—we were proud. Making your debut against Chiefs shows the coach
trusts him. I believe this boy can go beyond the Premiership. He has
Europe-level quality.”
Since then, Booysen has featured in four consecutive matchday squads, with
Myeni convinced that this is just the beginning. He sees his protégé not
only as a star in the making for Arrows but also as a future Bafana
international—possibly even a World Cup player if selectors give him the
nod.
“My advice to him is always the same,” Myeni adds. “Stay humble, stay
disciplined, and work harder than everyone else. The Engen tournament gave
him his first platform, but it’s up to him to carry that promise forward.”
From the Engen Challenge to the Betway Premiership, Booysen’s rise has
been swift and remarkable. With his mentor’s guidance and Golden Arrows
placing their faith in him, South African football may just be witnessing
the birth of its next big star.
