Project 10 - Solly's Story

"Solly's Story" is the portrait of a life in the new South Africa. It is about one man’s quest to follow his dream, a tale that does not shy away from dealing with the complexities of that search. Solly Luvhengo, a young man from deep rural Venda in the Northern Province, has defied the odds to survive poverty and marginalisation, and seems poised for even greater things. The only child of a single mother in rural Venda, sickly Solly was brought up by his grandparents and nurses with a vision of becoming a soccer star. He turned his hand to coaching when a regular coach couldn’t make a game, and found his niche coaching youngsters. When freedom came for South Africa in 1994, Solly reaped the benefits. The new football dispensation now searches for talent beyond the boundaries of the big cities, and black footballers’ skills are finally being recognised. Solly is appointed assistant national coach for two South African teams and begins construction in his home village on a new house for his girlfriend and extended family. The dream appears complete – but reality intrudes.