Plymouth College has awarded 15-year-old Bokang Phiri a 50% football bursary, and his family now hopes to raise the remaining funds to help him study and train.
South Africa (04 December 2025) – South Africa’s football landscape continues to produce young stars with big dreams, and 15-year-old Bokang Phiri is one of the brightest. The rising midfielder is on the brink of a life-changing opportunity after earning a 50% football and academic bursary from Plymouth College in the United Kingdom, a historic milestone for the school, which has never before awarded such an offer to an international student-player.
For his parents, the achievement is both overwhelming and deeply inspiring.
“As a parent, seeing Bokang’s discipline, focus, and passion rewarded at this level means everything. This door has opened through hard work and God’s grace, and we are doing everything we can to help him step through it.”
The bursary covers half of Bokang’s tuition and boarding, and he is expected to report to Plymouth College on 6 January 2026. The family is now reaching out for sponsorship and financial support to cover the remaining costs, including the balance of school fees, travel expenses, visa requirements, school uniform, and football training essentials.
While football is his first love, Bokang has also made his mark in a completely different field, he is the published author of three children’s books.
“I want children to fall in love with reading,” he explains. “Books inspire confidence and imagination, especially for kids who don’t have access to many resources.”
Using his saved school allowance, Bokang printed the books himself so he could donate them to children who needed them most.
Now, as he prepares to pursue both his academic and footballing dreams abroad, Bokang is hoping that communities, sponsors, and supporters will walk this journey with him.
Despite the scholarship, the remaining amount the family needs to raise is R450,000.
“I can’t do this alone,” he says. “Every donation big or small will help me get closer to my dream. Supporting me means supporting other young people too, because I want to keep making a difference.”
Bokang’s story is one of resilience, discipline, generosity, and faith. He represents a new generation of South African youth, committed and intent on uplifting others. Both through football and writing.
For anyone willing to support, partner, or contribute to this journey, the Phiri family welcomes the chance to share more about Bokang, his goals, and the impact he hopes to make through his BackaBuddy page.
Sources: Supplied
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