Luke Fleurs signs with SuperSport United FC
"Ubuntu Cape Town FC’s young Amajita defender Luke Fleurs will be joining SuperSport United on a long-term deal, after the two clubs and player have agreed terms,” Ubuntu Cape Town FC.
Luke Fleurs is the first Ubuntu Football Academy graduate to join South Africa’s Premier Soccer League. Fleurs has been in the Ubuntu family since he was just 12-years-old.
When Luke first joined the Academy, it took him some time to adapt to the culture. “I went through a lot of downs, but Ubuntu really helped me from schooling, everything on and off the field. It was very tough for me, but they helped me with soccer and to become a better man. I’ve learned to be a better person in my community,” Fleurs on Ubuntu Football Academy. Originally from Mitchells Plain, Luke was in the first group of boys who moved into the Ubuntu house when it opened in 2015.
Luke represented South Africa on the U17 National Team in 2016, starting all 13 Amajimbos matches that year. He also got the call up to Thabo Senong’s recent squad that beat Mozambique for the U20 AFCON qualifiers.
“It was a nice experience to play against some of those players, like Mame Niang and Diego Brown. I really enjoyed that.”
Last year, Luke launched into his professional career with Ubuntu Cape Town FC. For Fleurs, his first professional season was full. As a youngster in the league, there was a learning curve that came with playing against senior experienced players, some of whom have played in the PSL before coming back to the NFD.
Fleurs went on to be one of the most exciting players on the field in both the NFD and during Ubuntu Cape Town’s impressive Nedbank Cup run. His first season highlight was playing in the final, but crucial, game of the season. Ubuntu Cape Town not only needed to win, but they needed to score goals. Luke knew it would be his final match for Ubuntu. With a big crowd there to witness the victory, the last match was extremely personal.
Simultaneously, Fleurs has been working to earn his GED. He will write two papers next week and two more the following week, with hopes to complete his degree before things pick up again with AFCON qualifiers against Malawi in July.
Once he is settled at SuperSport, Fleurs is hoping to study in the off time. With training in the morning, he hopes to utilize his afternoons to pursue Sports Management.
“I obviously love soccer, but my career could end at any time, and I want to be prepared,” Fleurs says.
This season, it’s been extra special getting to watch Luke and Jesse Donn continue to play together. Both Ubuntu Academy Graduates, they have been teammates, friends, and brothers for several years.
“I have been blessed to have Luke as a friend and brother over the last couple of years. He has been a part of almost all my best memories, and I’m super excited for this next chapter in his life. I know he is going to kill it!”
“I just want to thank Ubuntu for what they’ve done for me. There were moments when I felt like it wasn’t the right place, but now I’ve graduated, and I’m finally a professional, and I can see why we did this thing - why they wanted me to do this. I just want to thank Ubuntu for helping me become the person that I am now.”
Ubuntu Football Academy CEO Michael Jenkins believes that Fleurs is ready for PSL football.
“We’ve been proud to be a part of his journey since he joined us as a 12 year old; we’re excited to see him take this next step with Supersport, and I have no doubt he will excel in the PSL, and hopefully eventually open doors to European football, which I know he aspires to.”
Take a walk down memory lane with Luke Fleurs.
