FOOTBALL & FREEDOM
 
FINAL SCRIPT
All Material Specially Shot

PRE-TITLE
10:00:00
This World Opening Title
Soweto montage/music
10:00:09

CU wheeling tyres
10:00:32
NARRATOR:
For black teenagers in the townships of South Africa 
today, football is the fast track to fame and fortune.
Soccer in dust


South Jo’burg montage
10:00:44
In the city suburbs, white kids are also hooked on the 
adrenaline of the sport.
White kids play


Aging montage
10:00:58
This is the journey of two gifted teenagers over five 
years as they try to make the big time. 

Seth Hutcheons from the wealthy white suburbs of 
Johannesburg. 

And from the deprived township streets of Soweto, 
Thuso Phala. 
Thuso & Seth montage
10:01:24
Both share the dream of becoming soccer stars in the 
New South Africa. 

But 10 years after the end of apartheid how level is 
the playing field?

TITLE:
10:01:33
FOOTBALL & FREEDOM
Stadium Exterior

CAPTION: Rand Stadium
Line up for photo
10:01:45
NARRATOR:

It’s May 1999 and just 16 teenagers have been 
picked from more than 700 club level players to 
represent their province in a one-off tournament. 

8 are white and 8 are black.

Amongst them - Thuso and Seth. 

During the tournament they’ll be under the watchful 
eyes of talent scouts. 

This could be their big break.
Jimmy enters lapa
10:02:15
CAPTION: Seth’s house
Jimmy sync
10:02:22
CAPTION: Jimmy, Seth’s Dad
Jimmy (Sync)
“This is when I used to  play professional football.  
Here I am over there.  A couple of boys that I played 
with which are rather famous.  And here is my son 
now who has taken over in the footsteps of his father 
which is Seth Hutcheons. 
Jimmy & Seth


Seth sync


10:02:33
Seth: 
“When I used to watch my Dad play soccer as 
professional at Rand Stadium, everybody used to call 
his name, cheeer his name.”
Seth playing soccer
10:02:40
NARRATOR:

Seth’s Dad recognised his talent as a striker early on 
and started him playing at the age of six. He’s now in 
a regular Saturday Club and recently scored nine 
goals in a single match.
Seth sync
10:02:52
Seth:
“If I became famous, I’d bring my family overseas, 
wherever I’m playing professional football and just 
have a good life”
Seth jumps into pool


Thuso playing soccer in 
Soweto


Thuso sync
10:03:03
Thuso:
“I always liked football because my Dad taught me 
when I a young boy.  If I became I would first fix up 
my grandma’s house and then I would buy my mum a 
house and a car and I would buy myself a car”
Thuso playing soccer
10:03:24
NARRATOR:

Once Thuso’s Dad got him started, he was spotted at 
school by a coach from one of South Africa’s top 
Saturday clubs. Now 13, he’s one of the best players 
they’ve got.

But six months ago Thuso’s dad was killed --  
murdered in a car hi-jacking.
Thuso sync
10:03:42
Thuso:
“I know that where-ever my dad is .. Maybe he’s 
watching me…It was his wish to see me like play 
soccer, so like … maybe he is proud of me”
Thuso and Susan arrive 
in Soweto
10:03:58
NARRATOR:

With no breadwinner Thuso’s family lost their home 
and have just moved back to Thuso’s grandmother’s 
house in Soweto.

Thuso, his two sisters and his Mum sleep on the 
kitchen floor.
Susan shows house


Susan sync
10:04:13
CAPTION: Susan, Thuso’s Mum
Susan:
“This is where we are sleeping.  This is the mattress, 
our mattress.  Thuso sleeps on the side.  The two 
girls here.  Me on the side.  This is our little bedroom”
Looking at photos

This is the man.  Thuso’s Dad.  It’s so sad.  You could 
see he can take it.”
Thuso runs out


Thuso playing in street


Susan sync
10:04:52
Susan:
“What is most important is Thuso. All my faith and 
hope is in Thuso’s hands.  I believe one day he’ll be a 
star…he’s the one who’s going to, you know, to  bring 
joy in my family again.”
Thuso playing in street.

FADE OUT


FADE IN 

Thuso & Seth at Stands
10:05:17
NARRATOR:

Seth and Thuso’s team have made it through to the 
quarter-finals of the tournament.
Scout
10:05:34
How they perform today is crucial –professional talent 
scouts are here, watching for the potential stars of the 
future.

One of them’s noticed Seth, who’s playing in the No. 
10, striker position.
Scout Sync
10:05:48
CAPTION: Bobby Williams, Soccer Scout

“They are quite a few good players in the team, 
especially the striker up front..I don’t know his name – 
the white kid – he;s a good kid”
More Play


Thuso
10:06:00
NARRATOR:
Thuso spends most the game on the bench.
Thuso sent on

But in the closing minutes, with the opposition 1 goal 
ahead, he gets his chance  …...

Being a midfielder rather than a striker Thuso’s has to 
work harder than Seth to get noticed. 
Thuso V.O.
10:06:20
Thuso:
“I’m not really good at scoring goals but I’m good at 
creating, so it’s better for me to play midfield.  And I 
tell this guy like I like using my speed and my shots.”
Play


Susan sync
10:06:37
Susan:
“We need a goal. I hope my son will create one.”
Thuso almost goal

10:06:45
NARRATOR:
Just before the final whistle Thuso sets up the chance 
for an equaliser.

It goes wide.
Max and Susan with 
heads in hands
10:07:02
With the missed goal they’re out of the tournament.

There’ll be no more chances to impress the scouts. 
Susan sync
10:07:12
Susan:
“So disappointing that.”
Seth sync
10:07:14
Seth

“We never won the ball first.  We never got to the ball 
first.  We’re knocking the ball off a lot and that’s about 
it”
Thuso sync
10:07:26
Thuso

“I tried. I couldn’t do more. The team can’t play with 
one man, you know.  I dunno.

Producer (oov):
So what now?  What’s next

Thuso:
What’s next?  Go home, go home and think about 
…Maybe next year.”
Seth at JHB 
International
10:07:43
NARRATOR:
Seth WAS picked by the talent scouts. He’s been 
invited to Cape Town to take part in try outs for a 
major international club, Ajax Amsterdam. 

Goodbyes in pub
10:08:17
Seth is travelling with his uncle, Mike, who lives in 
Cape Town.
Seth & Mike through 
gate
10:08:24
It’ll be his first time away from home.
Denise sync
10:08:31
Denise,(Seth’s Mum)

“I’m sure he’ll handle it.  Actually  it’s a good thing for 
him because he needs to be independent, I think.  
And if anything comes of this and he needs to go 
somewhere, his father needs to keep his job, so he 
can’t go with Seth.  If Seth goes overseas, he’s going 
to have to go alone.  So it’s a good thing for Seth .”
Dawn Exterior, Cape 
Town

CAPTION: Ajax Academy, Cape Town
Seth in bed sync
10:09:09
Seth:
“Oh, excellent!”
Breakfast
10:09:18
NARRATOR:
Part of the Ajax training programme is a special, 
vegetarian diet - not what Seth is used to.
Exit Hotel
10:09:46
On the fourth day of the trial Seth and the others set 
off for a crucial stage of the trials. 

Tensions have begun to develop between Seth and 
some of the black players.
Seth sync in van
10:09:57
Seth:
“This stadium you’re going to here on your right on 
the corner here is where my Dad and my uncle 
played for Rangers.  And erm 
Singing in van


Seth sync
10:10:14
“I hate it when they sing.  They just .. it’s aggravating. 
They sing the same thing over and over again.

Other white player:
And when you ask them not to sing, they sing louder.
When you ask them to sing, then they don’t sing.

Seth:
Then they don’t sing.  So if I have to tell them to stop 
singing, they would carry on or just sing louder.  See, 
see.  Cos they can hear me.  And the coaches say 
that you only have to talk in English.  Everything you 
say or do must be in English.  And now they talk in 
Zulu or Xhosa and other players don’t understand, 
like, even some of the black players – some of the 
black players are Zulu and they talk Xhosa and they 
don’t know what’s going on.  
So …
And they don’;t like …
They don’t like joining …
They don’t like … what’s it?
You know, when you come together?
They don’t want to combine with some of the white 
players,you know what I’m saying.”
Arrive at ground
10:11;54

In Locker room
10:11:55




10:12:08






10:12:18
Seth (0ov)
“Im gonna  fuck you up, man!”


SUBTITLES: (over black players singing)

“Play boys, play. We’ll beat these whites on the 
field…
…and then we’ll beat them up.”

NARRATOR:

The black player’s begin to sing apartheid era, anti-
white songs.

Under 13s Ajax team
10:12:38
Seth and the other triallists will be playing against the 
established Ajax under 13s side.
Seth & mates briefed
10:12:43
Team Coach (Sync);
Now we’re going to build a team around what we’ve 
got here but we will assess you in your ability – in 
your technical ability which is more important to us at 
the moment.  Alright?
So you’ve got Walter, Kyle and Maziza.  Teteku, 
you’re playing midfield number 6 and Seth at number 
9.  Melvin is the reserve keeper and he will play 
tomorrow night.
Warm-up
10:13:09
NARRATOR:

For the Ajax selectors this is the final, critical stage of 
the decision making process. 
Coach criticises Seth
10:13:21
Pressure is intense. Out of 200 trialists selected each 
year .. just ONE will play for Ajax.
Seth goal


End of game
10:13:49

Phone call













FADE OUT:
10:13:50


10:13:55




10:14:00
Melvin:
Seth!   Phone!

NARRATOR:
Seth’s Dad keeps in constant contact, checking on 
his son’s progress.

Seth:
“Hello. How you?  Cool.  What are you doing?  Oh, 
Okay.  We’re back from the game now.   We won, 7-
2.…We won 7-2 against Ajax under 13. I scored 
three.  Yeah.  Yeah, but I’m happy with the goals but  
I’m no tso  happy with my performance in knocking 
the ball around and stuff, you know what I’m saying.”

FADE IN:

Wits Cup Final 



10:14:42

NARRATOR:

Although Thuso wasn’t picked by scouts, the regular 
Saturday Club he plays for has made it through to 
their cup final.

Thuso’s team clinch the match and win the cup.
Thuso sync on gold 
meda
10:15:07




10:15:14
Man:
Well done boys.  Your Captain please.

Well done, Captain.

Thuso:
I’m feeling very happy.  It’s my first gold medal – in 
soccer.  Maybe there’s many more to come.

Susan takes Thuso to 
school
10:15:20






10:15:47
NARRATOR:

Every school day morning Susan and Thuso make an 
hour long rush hour journey from Soweto to 
Johannesburg where Thuso goes to Houghton 
primary.

Five years ago the school, in a posh Jo’burg suburb, 
was reserved for whites only. But since the end of 
apartheid, by law, schools can no longer be 
segregated.
Other kid on way to 
school
10:16:02
With very few good state schools, thousands of 
families from Soweto are now exercising their right to 
send their kids to the best private schools --  even 
though they barely afford the fees.   
Susan drives off


Traffic cop/Susan sync
10:16:18
Susan:
“Come on, officer…”
Susan drives to 
Houghton

Susan V.O.
“After his father’s death, I couldn’t just take him out of 
the school because to the boy, it will appear as a 
failure.  I had to work hard to pay the fees and I   had 
to double whatever I was doing like selling, I had to 
double that.”
Susan arrives at 
Houghton
10:16:51
NARRATOR:

The family’s future is now riding on Thuso’s prospects 
as a soccer player.
Exterior House
10:16:57
To try to keep up with Thuso’s fees, Susan and 
Thuso’s Grandmother Mathobella run a shop from the 
house.
Granny serving in Tuck 
Shop


Susan VO
10:17:04
Susan:
“The shop is working -  we’re depending on it.  I don’t 
have a good income because I have to take Thuso to 
school everyday – I need money for petrol everyday.  
It’s just something to generate a little money.  It’s not 
like a busy shop.
Susan sync


Old Woman pays
10:17:19
NARRATOR:
On top of all their other difficulties, the family are now 
threatened with eviction.

Susan sync
10:17:25
Susan:
“This is not a good year, they gave a letter that we 
should move out.  They are evicting us.  We don’t 
belong here.  This house belongs to the council.  And 
the council’s decided to sell this house to somebody 
else.
Can you imagine?  My family moved here in 1937.  
How can we move out.  We’ve being staying in this 
almost half a century.  We can’t just move out.  This 
is our home and now we are fighting for this house.”
Susan sings to daughter
10:17:55
“Thank you father, thank you father, for the food, for 
the food
Give us many blessings, give us many blessings, a-a-
a-men, a-a-men.”
Brushing
10:18:22
NARRATOR:

If the court case goes the wrong way, with no proper 
welfare system, the family, including Thuso’s two 
sisters Molimo and Maclodie, will be homeless. 

Thuso’s first day at Holy 
Family


10:18:35


CAPTION: January 2000

It’s the start of a new academic year in South Africa 
and Thuso’s first day at secondary school.

Holy Family College is a private, Catholic school … 
the fees here are even higher than Houghton 
Primary.

Thuso at SOE
10:19:11
Thuso’s going to try his luck at the soccer School of 
Excellence, a National academy in Jo’burg.

If he’s picked out from the thousands of hopefuls 
they’ll not only provide soccer training ---  but his all 
his schooling as well.

This could be his .. and his families… big chance. 

SOE speeches
10:19:27
Soccer Official:
“Youngsters, coaches, educators, I’d like to ask you 
to bear with us.  The numbers are large.  We will not 
have time to exchange pleasantries.  
Let’s show our appreciation for coach, James Mbena.
(Clapping)


10:19:45
NARRATOR:
This could be his and his family’s big chance.


10:19:48





10:20:00
Soccer Official:
We’re hoping that all these youngsters that are here .. 
they do have a god given talent.  And it’s only if they 
have a god given talen that we can help you to 
develop it.

Soccer Coach:
Take your jersey number and then whenever they call 
you, the name, and then give them your number, your 
jersey number, okay?

Jerseys handed out
10:20:09
NARRATOR:

Thuso waits for several hours for his turn and then 
gets just 10 minutes to show off his skills.

Coach sync
10:20:18
Mandla Mazibuko, Coach

“The potential is there always.  So, that’s how 
fortunate South Africa is.  Wherever you go, there is 
talent.  We are able to get something out of the most 
poorest conditions..”
Coach addresses 
players
10:20:31
Keep on training wherever you are playing, so that 
you will be to improve your technical skills.  And keep 
on studying hard.  Because whenever you are 
recruited for the School of Excellence you must excel 
both academics and on the field again.
Once more give yourself a big round of applause.

Thuso sync
10:20:56






10:21:15
Thuso:
“It was hard to see someone because they’re all 
bunching.  There’s a small field, little time.  So maybe 
a goal here doesn’t really matter but the skills matter 
and schoolwise, I’m doing well, so maybe they’ll see 
me  next year.”

NARRATOR:

He’ll have to wait for a couple of months before he’s 
told if he’s made it into next year’s intake.
Susan in kitchen

10:21:23
With Thuso at Holy Family and both her daughters 
now going to Houghton Primary, Susan’s decided to 
start a second business – selling food at football 
matches.
Susan sync
10:21;33
Susan:
“I’m preparing food. I want to go and sell. There’s a 
game between Sundowns and Kaiser Chiefs.  
Today’s my first time going to sell.  Then I’m so late .. 
I don’t know whether they will sell or not.
Susan and Thuso arrive 
at FNB
10:22:18
Narrator:
Rival Chiefs and Pirates supporters are out in force.
Thuso in car park
10:22:20
Man:
Tell them who is going to win.

Thuso
The Chiefs.

Man:
Number One.  You must be with Chiefs.   The man.


CU Thuso at Stadium
10:23:14
Narrator:

Thuso knows that if he achieves his dream of playing 
pro, his Mum would never have to worry about money 
again.
Football game - 
cheering
10:23:22

Susan in Car Park
10:23:30
Susan:
Yeah, the food is not so good here because a lot of 
people are selling.  I think … it is like selling like hot 
cakes.  It’s like you are selling sweets.  I think next 
time I shall sell liquor, not food.

Seth leaving to play 
rugby
10:23:51
Narrator:

Seth is back from Cape Town and waiting the results 
of the Ajax trial.

His new  secondary school is Parktown Boys, one of 
Jimmy chats to Seth


the best in Jo’burg and renowned for it’s sporting 
excellence. 
Exterior Liverpool 
fundraiser
10:24:05
Seth’s mainly white Saturday club are hold regular 
fund raising events and dinners.
Guitarist strikes up


(Folk singer singing)

Seth arrives
10:24:26
Narrator:

The results of the Ajax trial were announced today.
Seth V.O.
10:24:31
Seth:
“My Dad just told me about the news.  They’ve asked 
me to go back to Cape Town Ajax.  I’m very excited 
about that.  They just asked 3 players to come back.  
That’s all I know.  So, I’m just happy that I was one of 
them.”
Braai
10:24:48
Narrator:

Seth will move permanently to the Cape Town base 
in January of next year.
Exterior, Thuso’s House

10:24:58

It’s been 3 months since the School of Excellence 
trials but Thuso’s had no news. 



Walking in  Soweto
10:25:03
Subtitles –
“Why don’t you come and help us?”

“What come and stand there doing nothing, like you?”


Susan on phone
10:25:12
Narrator:
Susan’s going to phone to find out what happened



Susan (on phone)
Good afternoon.  How are you?  Okay.
My name is Susan Pala.  I’m phoning about my son, 
Thuso Pala.  I just wanted to find out are the results 
yet out?

Okay.   Okay.  Thank you.  Bye.

The results were out at the end of August and first 
week of September.   And if they didn’t call us, it 
seems Thuso they didn’t take him. 
That’s bad news.

Susan tells Thuso the 
bad news
10:26:00
Susan:
The results were out at the end of August and first 
week of September.  And if they didn’t call you, it 
means that they haven’t chosen you.

Thuso:
Okay

Susan:
I’m so sorry

Thuso:
But anyway there were many people on.  Maybe they 
were the better people.  Just have to try next time.


CU Susan 
10:26:57
Narrator:
With the eviction still hanging over their heads, it’s a 
bitter disappointment.
Thuso and Susan at 
home
10:27:13
SUBTITLES: 

Can I go?

Don’t worry.

Jimmy’s house – gate 
opens
10:27:25
Narrator:

Jimmy’s been the victim of a car hi-jacking, there are 
now more than 40 every single day in South Africa. 
Jimmy Sync
10:27:32
Jimmy:

“This sort of thing always takes you by surprise.  I had 
just finished dropping my wife off at aerobics.  It was 
round about quarter to eight in the evening when I 
had just driven into this driveway.  And I had the 
remote control.  I’d just opened the gate.  And it just 
started opening when I heard this screeching sound 
behind.  Which caused me .. I looked in my rear view 
mirror.  I saw these 5 blacks jump out.  They were all 
armed.  They all had guns.  They surrounded my car.  
The one then put the gun to the back of my head.  
Forced me out.  I just surrendered.  I gave him my 
keys.  They pushed me into my driveway – the gate 
was basically opening ..  
Incidentally, this is the car that they actually hijacked.  
I’ve got a tracking system on this and they recovered 
it within one hour.
The guy held  the gun to the back of my head.  He 
then forced me, as we were going along, right to my 
front door, which was open.  My son had opened it.  
He then forced me down, began swearing at me.  
Continued looking at his friend at the same time – 
standing at the gate there, to give him the signal 
when everything was ready.  And then his mate gave 
him the signal that he’s ready, while I was laying 
down in the floor in my lounge here.  My son had just 
run back into the bathroom, cos he had opened the 
door, cos I was screaming that there was a hijacking 
taking place – and he was telling me to shut up.
And then as his friend signalled that it was time, the 
car was ready, you know, they were about to go, he 
said to me:
…you’re lucky you white bastard because today 
you’re going to live.”
Robertsham/Wits final
10:28:50

Narrator:
Thuso’s Saturday club have made it through to the 
Junior League Final where they meet Seth’s club. 


Thuso sync
10:29:02
Thuso:
“Come guys, come, let’s go guys!”
Kick-Off
10:29:04
Narrator:
For the first time Seth and Thuso face each other 
from the opposite ends of the pitch.
Wits goal

10:29:18
In the early minutes of the game a cross by Thuso 
sets up the chance for a goal.
Jimmy with Black Label
10:29:25
Since the hi-jacking Jimmy’s been drinking heavily 
and behaving erratically.
Michael foul and yellow 
card
10:29:30
Seth:
Come on guys.
Jimmy shouts at 
spectator
10:29:50
Jimmy:
… whole load of shit man.  They don’t know who I am 
man.  Come here and see me after the game.   
Seth’s goal
10:30:05
Narrator:
But Seth then gets the chance to get one back.
Crowd reaction
10:30:15

Robertsham goal from 
throw-in


Jimmy runs onto pitch
10:30:35
But in the final minutes, Seth’s Club run away with the 
game.
Another Robertsham 
goal from throw-in
10:30:46
The final score’s 3-1. Seth’s team has triumphed over 
Thuso’s and are the new champions of the league.
Susan hi-jacked
10:31:00
Two months after Jimmy’s hi-jacking, Susan’s also 
been attacked outside her home with a friend.
Susan sync
10:31:09
Susan:
“He was driving this new Conquest – a white one.  All 
of a sudden four boys came in with guns.  They told 
me I should move out of the car.  I couldn’t fight them 
because I know my husband – they killed him in that 
way.  And Thuso was looking out of the window.  And 
I was a little bit worried because nothing could – put 
yourself back to 98 – to bring back those bad 
memories to him.  But I had not choice”
Thuso sync
10:31:42
Thuso
“I wasn’t thinking much. I was shocked.  I didn’t know 
what to do.
I was thinking of maybe my Mum was next. I just 
didn’t know what to do and that.  I wasn’t thinking of 
anything – just my Mum.”
Interior Airport
10:32:23
Narrator:
Seth’s regular club has raised more than £10,000.  
With a few months before he starts at Ajax…..Seth’s 
off to Liverpool in the UK.  He’ll be taking  part in an 
international youth tournament.
Jimmy/Denise 
goodbyes


Going through passport 
control


Jimmy sync
10:32:40
Jimmy:
In this country the whites they don’t look forward to 
making any sides here.  They look to make sides like 
Man United and Ajax and the Barcelonas, if they 
could possibly do that.

Denise sync
10:32:53
Denise:
I don’t believe white children are given as much 
opportunity and encouragement as the black children.  
I was watching a documentary on Ajax on the tv the 
other day and the majority of those children are also 
black.

Jimmy sync
10:33:07
Jimmy:
I mean to me, I can’t believe the ratio is that great.  
That you’ve got 10 to 1 or whatever it is – better black 
players than white players.
That I don’t accept.

WS Liverpool warm up
10:33:19
CAPTION: Liverpool, England
Shane sync
10:33:23
CAPTION: Shane, Club Coach

“You were in Liverpool yesterday that’s more than 
enough motivation for anything else here.  You guys 
got any dreams of playing overseas, now’s the time to 
start doing it.”
Warm up
10:33:36
Narrator:
Although Seth will be going to the Ajax academy at 
the beginning of next year, the Liverpool tournament, 
with teams from around the world, gives him his first 
real taste of international football.
Running

His team have made it to the final but they were up 
half the night at a disco.
Kick-off
10:33:58
They get off to a good start and go one goal ahead.
Robertsham own-goal
10:34:03
Then…. a careless own goal , and the tide turns 
against them.
Opponent goal
10:34:13

Half Time
10:34:16
At half-time they’re 5-1 down and the player who 
scored the own goal has been taken off.
Shane bollocks them
10:34:24
Shane:
“When you’re good, you’re good, when you’re 
rubbish, you’re rubbish.  A simple as that.  But there’s 
one thing I will say and I’m telling you that now,  if I 
hear one more chirp from one more player against 
another player in this team, he will come off.  Do you 
hear me, Seth?  Do you hear me?  You will come off 
and you won’t play again.  
If I hear one more chirp when you’ve taken a player 
off and you say, “Yeah, yeah” – you won’t play again.  
You hear me?  And I can tell you now, you better go 
and apologise to him because that’s a load of shit.  
Guys, it’s pride that you’re playing for now.  You’re 5-
1 down, you don’t want to get beaten 6, 7, 8.  Pride, 
eh?  Let’s get out there and get some balls back.  
Okay?  That’s all you’re playing for now, is your own 
pride.”
2nd Half play
10:35:10

Narrator:
The coach criticises Seth for not passing the ball 
enough.
Shane & Seth Sync
10:35:14
Shane:
“Seth, come on.  
Sick and tired of you talking back to me.  You’ve 
always got a answer for me, always.”

Seth:
Just because he says to me no, I must knock a ball 
off.  But no-one else knocks a ball off.  So I said to 
him, ‘Why must I knock a ball off, if no-one else 
knocks a ball off?’  
He brung me off.  Just because I said that – just 
because I spoke back to him.  
Besides, you know the reason – 

Producer (oov):
So, where are you going?

Seth:
I don’t know – away from this fuck site.

Seth walks off
10:36:03
Narrator:
Seth’s team lose 10 – 3

Exterior, Holy Family 
College
10:36:08
CAPTION: Holy Family College
Susan waits for Head
10:36:09
Narrator:
Susan’s now more than £900 in arrears with Thuso’s 
fees. She’s had to find legal fees to fight the eviction 
case…and there’s been the trauma of the hi-jacking 
….
Chat with Head

FADE OUT.
10:36:23



10:36:25


10:36:27







10:36:45


10:36:48










10:37:08











10:37:37


10:37:38




10:37:49













10:38:20

Headmistress:
Okay, I’ve got all my details.  So, Thuso wasn’t at 
school yesterday.

Susan:
Yeah.  He was not feeling well.

Headmistress:
Because there was a letter that went home yesterday.  
But I can show it you here.  Right in front of me here. 
Okay.
Alright let’s go over it again.
That was the total payment that needed to be paid by 
the end of August.  6795.

Susan
Okay

Headmistress:
Basically what the board is saying – no registration 
for next year, if these are not up to date by 
November.  So we need to find a way around this – 
as to what you can afford and how you’re going to 
pay it off over that period.  Alright?

Do you want to give me some background and help 
me understand it?

Susan:
You know, like, what I was trying to do last time – to 
give Thuso at least 150 in money, every day.  
Everyday, that method was working.  I never had this 
kind of problem.  For the last year I did manage to 
pay for three of them – three of them they were at 
Houghton – I did manage to pay.  
But this year I encountered some other problems.  
Where we were staying and some other things.  I was 
not working well.  I was even ill.

Headmistress:
I’m not surprised.

Susan:
That thing maybe brought me back but I’ll try me level 
best because I never had a bad record in these fees.  
I know that my kids – I must try to do my level best ..

Headmistress:
Okay, what I will do is I will go back and look at the 
other records as well, because that does count in 
your favour.  I have another question, though – for 
you ..
Have you had any counselling or anything – for 
yourself, not your children, but for you yourself.
Just the hijacking in it’s own requires support from 
people.  You with me?
You lose your husband.  You’re dealing with school 
fees.  There’s too much to deal with with.  You don’t 
have to be perfect.  You don’t have to be brave all the 
time.

Susan:
Okay
FADE IN:

Susan and Thuso arrive 
at Lucas’s
10:38:22



10:38:26


CAPTION: December 2000

Narrator:
Some good news. Susan has contacted Lucas 
Radebe, South Africa’s biggest soccer star. Lucas is 
the captain of the national team and of Leeds United.
Impressed by Thuso’s ability, Lucas and his agent 
have promised to arrange a trial for Thuso at Leeds.
Watching video at 
Lucas’s house
10:38:54
Susan has high hopes. So she hasn’t reserved a 
place for him at his School for next year.
Chat with Lucas
10:39:19
SUBTITLES:
- Hello. How are you?
- I think there’s been a misunderstanding..
- ..and I was wondering if you could explain the 
arrangements..
- …about Thuso’s schooling and whatever…
...because he doesn’t have a place for next year.
Lucas/Agent chat
10:39:28


10:39:33







10:39:45








10:40:26







10:40:38





Lucas:
How did you explain – what is going to happen?

Agent:
Basically, because of the problem with the work 
permits in England, it’s really, really difficult.  They’re 
basically trying to protect the English players and 
reduce the number  of foreign players, especially non-
European Union passport holders.

Lucas:
Yes but if he could just come and have a look.  You 
know what I mean?  Organise just to travel and then 
try to get him over.  He’ll stay with me and then I can 
take him over to training.  
The thing is that .. it’s Juniors isn’t it – if they really 
wanted him to play, I mean, I don’t think – he’s very 
young for a work permit.

Agent:
So basically I think that’s what we do.  We try arrange 
– I’ll take – I mean I’ve got your numbers now as well 
– I’ll phone you tomorrow and let you know when 
we’re going to book for them to go and you go across 
and go see what it’s like.  
Are you happy with that?

Susan:
Yeah, I am.

Agent:
You happy?

Seth:
Yes

Susan:
I’m so happy that he’s given my son a second chance 
in life.
MacDonalds celbration
10:40:48
Narrator:
It’s the best possible news for the family. 

It’s also a big weight off Thuso’s shoulders.
Thuso sync
10:40:56
Thuso:
“I’m quite relieved, after all this time I had to wait for 
an answer. So now it finally comes, so I’m relieved”
Seth and Jimmy get in 
car
10:41:06
Narrator:
A month before he leaves for Cape Town, Seth signs 
the formal, two year  contract with Ajax. It’s time for 
some serious shopping to celebrate.
In shop
10:41;18
Seth:
I’ve really seen a pair of shoes I like.

Thank you.  Thank you very much, cheers.
Seth sync at home
10:41:39
Seth:
“You start off with R1,500 a month.  I can’t remember 
exactly but once yo’;ve made 10 appearances at 
games, your raise it goes higher.  So then it can be 
2000.  And then after like 10 starting appearances, 
you get 3000 a month and then it carries on.  And 
then after you’ve played something like 24 games or 
64 games, your raise is higher to like 10000 in a 
month.  And then obviously when you turn pro in the 
1st side, once you make the 1st side,  then you’re 
going to be earning quite a lot of money.”
Seth/Jimmy argue 
about money
























FADE OUT.
10:42:14



10:42:20








10:42:33




10:42:40




10:42:45



Jimmy:
Well, you can’t put all that money into your account.  
I’m going to take the money.

Seth:
Yeah Dad.  I’ll give you your 800 and that’s it .. and 
then you’ll never see me again.
No, that was a laugh, obviously.
He’s not managing the money.  I’m managing the 
money because if he manages the money, then he’ll 
use it for himself.

Jimmy:
Well I don’t know, you know.  If that’s what he feels.  
At the end of the day, I’ve done my part in raising the 
kid, to do and I’ve done everything I possibly can.

Seth:
Honestly, I’m not going to just go now and give you all 
my money just because you’ve helped me to get 
there.

Jimmy:
I was joking with you.  It’s just a matter of general 
speech, that’s all.   Obviously people like David 
Beckham looks after his mum and dad – if you ever 
get to David Beckham’s status.  So he looks after his 
mum and dad and that’s the point I was trying to 
make.
FADE IN:

Susan cooking
10:43:03


10:43:07



CAPTION: February 2001
Narrator:
Thuso’s promised trip to Leeds hasn’t materialised. 

The eviction threat is still hanging over the family.   

Susan’s gone back to selling food.


Susan sync
10:43:20
Susan:
“I don’t know what’s happening with Lucas.  Lucas 
promised to take the boy along with him and nobody 
forced him to do that.  He agreed on his own.  And all 
of a sudden, when I try to call him, he doesn’t 
respond.  And he referred me to his agent.  And at 
one stage his that it is not Lucas responsibility.  
Thuso is my responsibility.  And I felt so bad.  But I’m 
not mad with him.  Lucas didn’t tell me those words.  
It was his agent.
Thuso sync
10:44;06
Thuso:
“I’m disappointed but I can’t say I’m angry with him.  
So it’s just – I must just take it as if this didn’t never 
happen”
Thuso leaves for school
10:44:24
Narrator:
With no place at Holy Family and no more money to 
pay expensive fees Thuso’s walking to the local 
Catholic school in Soweto.
Thuso sync
10:44:36
Thuso:
“Those are the smokers of the school – the bad 
guys.”
Thuso enters school
10:44:44

Seth at Ajax

10:44:49
Narrator:
In January Seth moved to his new life at Ajax --- with 
all the specialised training and opportunities that a 
major international club have to offer.  
BMW reverses out
10:45:10
But just one month later, Seth has broken the 
contract. He’s left Ajax and is back home with Jimmy.
Seth & Jimmy in car


Jimmy sync
10:45:18
Jimmy:
“One of the major things which we’ve found with Seth  
is that because Ajax is predominantly an African club, 
where he was staying is 100% African.  So what 
happens is, those guys who stay at weekends, what 
does he do? He’s got no friends.”
Seth sync
10:45:35
Seth:
“But the thing is, and I’m going to be straightforward 
with you now.  I don’t like living with those players.  
For the simple fact is, I went and I saw what the 
house looked like.  They don’t bath.  They don’t keep 
things tidy.  They don’t keep things tidy.  They’re just 
messy.  They’re very, very messy and that;s the way 
they are.  And those are the players that I’d have to 
live with.  I know there are circumstances, whatever, 
that you have to make ..  sacrifices, sorry, that you 
have to make in order to become a professional 
soccer player.  Yes but I  tried a few of the sacrifices 
and they just never worked.”
Seth arrives at 
Parktown

FADE OUT.
10:46:26

FADE IN:

Exterior Soweto
10:46:30


CAPTION: Soweto, February 2002
Hanging out washing
10:46:34
Narrator:
The dispute over the council trying to sell Thuso’s 
house to a private buyer has come to court.
Susan Sync
10:46:41
Susan:
“This is not the first case.  I think in this street, there 
are more than 3 people having the same problem. 
This thing it was happening in the past origin – the 
past government was doing that – it was part of 
Apartheid.  I thought maybe this government, it was 
going to rectify the mistakes that was down.  But 
instead … even the very same councillors that you 
are having are doing the very same thing.  They 
believe in fraud and bribery.  And because we believe 
this is our house, we are not going anywhere.
But today we are going to small claim court.”
Orlando buses 
10:47:25
Narrator:
But the case is adjourned for two weeks until Thuso’s 
grandmother Mathobella can be called to give 
evidence.
Pan on house
10:47:33
On the day, Mathobella refuses to go.
Granny sync


FADE OUT:
10:47:8
Mathobella:
“It’s not the first time we go to court.  I think it’s more 
than 10 times because everytime we go there, 
everytime he goes there and report us, you see.  We 
going up and down, up and down and I’m getting sick 
and tired.  
And we won’t leave.  When they send the letter we 
won’t move out.  Why must go out? Where must we 
go? Where must I take these children?”

FADE IN:

Soccer Montage










FADE OUT.

10:48:11

Narrator:
During 2002 Seth and Thuso both got the chance to 
play for the junior sides of different professional clubs. 

Neither found a team they were happy with.

But both refused to give up their dream of becoming 
soccer stars.

Then in 2003 Seth finally settled on Jimmy’s old 
team, Rangers. 

And Thuso made it into Silver Stars, a Premier 
League club.
FADE IN:

Soweto Sunset
10:48:43

CAPTION: Soweto, August 2003

Night Exterior, Thuso’s 
House
10:48:49
Narrator:
Thuso’s now turned 17 and next year he’ll take his 
matric exams and finish school. There’s a big match 
with Silver Stars tomorrow but tonight he’s off to a 
party with his friends. 
Thuso getting ready


Thuso sync
10:49:51
Thuso:
“Today is the matric dance at school.  So we’re only  
going to the after party and such.  It will be nice.  All 
schoolmates and stuff all going to after party but not 
to the main event.  Only matrics go there.  We only in 
Grade 11.  
…only next year I’ll get a chance to go there.”
Granny & Susan in 
kitchen
10:49:20
Narrator:
The eviction case is still dragging on through the 
courts. 

Thuso now has a steady girlfriend but privacy is hard 
to come by as he still sleeps on the kitchen floor with 
Susan and his two little sisters. 
Thuso sync
10:49:35
Thuso:
“Even though I’m seventeen, I’m still a young boy in 
my Mum’s house. I’ll be a man when I’m only in my 
own house.  So, it’s not quite a problem, I’m still a 
baby in this house.
Sure, sure.  Goodnight.  Okay, sure.
Thuso leaves 
10:49:58

Music montage in van
10:50:03

Arrive at party
10:50:34
Narrator:
At the after party they run into a bouncer called 
‘Killer’.
Killer sync
10:50:39
Killer
“There is no way, gents, no way.”
Thuso Sync
10:50:50
Thuso:
“They say we must bring the IDs, so we’re waiting for 
the matrics…”
Killer sync
10:50:56
Killer:
“…What’s happening? No, no, no, no.”
FADE IN:

Kids play in street – Day
10:51:01


CAPTION: The next morning
Thuso sleeping
10:51:08
Narrator;
Thuso’s match today is in Jo’burg at noon but he 
didn’t get home until 7 this morning.
Cooking breakfast & 
reading papers
10:51:15

Thuso waking up
10:51:20

Thuso arrives for game
10:51:48
When Thuso finally gets to the ground .. he’s not just 
late, he’s also forgotten to bring his football boots.
Bollocked by coach
10:51:56
Coach:
The delay with him was his boots.
Coach gives pep talk
10:52:03
Coach:
We’re going to play ..  Azero will start with McDonald 
in the middle.
Thuso, why we’re playing with five in the middle is so 
that you can push on and help the forwards,  Push on 
and help the forwards, alright?

Thuso game kicks off
10:52:30
Narrator:
Thuso’s team get off to a good start, putting in two 
early goals. 


Seth & Jimmy arrive
10:52:46
At the same time, Seth is due to play a match on the 
other side of town. 

Unlike Silver Stars, Rangers are not in the Premier 
League but they do have international connections.  
Seth still believes that his best prospects are 
overseas.
Seth sync
10:53:02
Seth:
I don’t think it’s the same level of football that I was 
playing.  Rodney Bush is an ex-pro, he’s our coach,  
he used to play for Rangers,  They’ve got like good 
connections overseas at Tottenham.
Soccer, it’s not like it used to be.  When I say that, I 
mean it’s …
You see, soccer in South Africa is now …
Without being racialistic, it’s black.
Everyone … this is a black sport here now.  There’s 
no imput from anywhere else.  Very few whites 
playing.  It’s .. and the blacks play a different game to 
the whites because we white players play more …
How can I say?  What’s the word I’m looking for?
More of a strategy game, you know.  But when you 
play with black players, it’s more skill, it’s more like 
that.  It’s not soccer the way it would be played.  The 
way it should be played.
Seth Play
10:54:20

Coach
10:54:22
Narrator:
Rodney and Jimmy were teammates in the ‘70s.  

Coach sync: 
“Get it away there!”

Narrator:
He’s hoping Rodney will be able to swing an 
overseas trial for Seth.
Jimmy sync
10:54:35
Jimmy:
Well I think it’s important for him to go because I think 
at this moment in time, I think that basically speaking 
for white players to develop any further, they need to 
go overseas.  Because the whole structure around 
here is mainly around blacks because the whole 
emphasis has changed, you know, on the under 
privileged.  And I think they are given so much more 
opportunity than the white players.

Thuso play
10:54:59
Narrator:
30 minutes into Thuso’s game and his team are 
beginning to flag. The opposition are now only one 
goal behind and not for long. 
Coach sync
10:55:08
Coach:
“Oh, why is he going through you all, maaaan?!  This 
is nonsense what’s happening here. You don’t even 
want to make a tackle here.
Opposition score


Thuso play
10:55:21
Narrator:
Now it’s two-all. Thuso’s hangover is also beginning 
to kick in.
Coach sync
10:55:26
Coach:
“Aaaah, Thuso, whoa…”
Seth game - tackles 
keeper
10:55:47
Narrator:
Seth’s team are losing their game. He’s beginning to 
get frustrated.
Altercation with Ref
10:55:59

Jimmy sync
10:56:09
Jimmy:
“…the keeper…aaaghh, maaan!”
Play


Seth V.O.
10:56:14
Seth:
“Ajax..I’m upset that I left.  I wanted to say there.  It 
was one of the  dumbest things that  I could have 
done in my life.  I wish that I should have stayed there 
and just stuck it through.  At the time it just didn’t 
seem like the right way to go.

End of Seth/Rangers 
game
10:56:36
Narrator:
In the end Seth and Rangers lose, 3-Nil.
Seth V.O.
10:56:41
Seth:
“We could have done better.  Then again, you know, 
we don’t play .. this team doesn’t play every day.
Seth sync

“You have got to learn to lose, that’s the game.”
Silver Stars play
10:56:57

Thuso V.O.
10:56:58
Thuso:
“The dream of being a professional soccer player’s 
still there because now I can see that there’s 
opportunity for me to play in the first team.  Maybe 
next year, if I pull my socks up and play, maybe I 
might be playing in the  Premier League.”
Dirty play at Silver Stars
10:57:15
Narrator:
It’s still two-all in Thuso’s match which has begun to 
get rough.
Thuso penalty
10:57:29
If he does turn pro, Thuso’s family will have a new 
breadwinner.
Thuso V.O.
10:57:33
Thuso:
“I do still think about my father but not that much.  
Anyway, life goes on.  He passed away.  And he had 
a dream for me that he wanted to see me play.  So, 
yeah, for me to fulfil his dreams and play in the 
Premier League and wherever he is, hopefully,k he’ll 
be watching and ne  proud of.”
Thuso scores
10:57:50


10:57:59
Narrator:
Everything now depends on Thuso.

Thuso’s goal clinches the match.
Silver Stars song
10:58:03
Team sings:
“We live together, we die together…”
End Captions
10:58:27
CAPTIONS
Seth is still waiting for a trial with an overseas club

Thuso is due to turn pro with Silver Stars this year
End


END CREDITS:

Narrator
Ian Curtis

Camera
Brian Green



Additional Camera
Inigo Gilmore
Nick Hofmeyer
Doug McFarlane
Henry Smith
Eddie West

Sound
Roger Blandy
Rhomeez Petersen
Mzukiki Mitshiselo

Sound Editor
Julie Van Den Berg

Dubbing Mixer
Cliff Jones

On-line Editor
Thomas Strick

Researchers
Inigo Gilmore
Justine Lang

Production Manager
Sandra Clark

Film Editors
Catherine Meyburgh
Jon Olney

Produced and Directed by
Dominic Ozanne

Deputy Editor
David Belton


Marquee Film & Television
For BBC


This World

Editor 
Karen O’Connor

c.	BBC MMIV








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