Red Bull announces first African esports athlete

Red Bull is the sponsor for the likes of the two-time TI-winning organization, OG, as well as a tonne of other world-class pros. Now, the first player from the African continent has been announced. His name is Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi from the MGO Goliath Gaming, and this announcement gives South African esports fans and players hope for the future.

Red Bull Esports Athlete: Thabo Moloi

Red Bull South Africa made the announcement on Twitter, welcoming Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi to the winner's circle. Thabo is the first-ever player from the African continent to be sponsored by Red Bull. 

• Read more: Nigerian FIFA pro plays for 58 hours to shatter Guinness World Record

This is an amazing achievement by the player, and speaking as a South African esports fan, I had chills when Red Bull made the announcement, especially if you know the player's history and struggle. 

Thabo is only 18 years old, starting his career back in 2018 at the age of 16. He is the top-rated FIFA player on PS4 in South Africa, and is ranked 73rd in the world. 

At the age of 16, in his first-ever competitive tournament, he won the official FIFA eWorld Cup Global Series Qualifier for South Africa. Unfortunately, his passport didn't arrive in time, meaning he couldn't attend the FIFA eWorld Cup.

• Read more: Watch the new FIFA 21 trailer featuring Kylian Mbappé and FIFA Ultimate Team co-op mode

In 2019, he qualified for the FIFA eWorld Cup Global Series Playoffs again, but couldn’t make it to the UK. Being a Red Bull Esports Athlete now, hopefully things will be easier for Thabo, who has been grinding away despite the odds being stacked against him.

Back when he started out, Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi had to purchase mobile data to get FIFA practice in and watch tutorials to help him improve. When he won his first tournament, he couldn't even afford his own PS4.

Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi (Picture: Red Bull ZA)

Thabo explains: "In 2018, when I first started playing FIFA competitively, I didn’t have the latest console to practice on. I saved my lunch money and asked my parents to help me. That’s how I got a second-hand PlayStation 4.”

This didn't get him down, however, as he kept going for his dreams. Now, he is a Red Bull Esports Athlete, and even led the South African squad in the FIFA eNations Stay n Play Cup which took place earlier this year.

Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi's goal is to become the best FIFA player in the world, and hopefully Red Bull will give this utterly determined player exactly what he needs to achieve his dreams.

You can visit Thabo's Red Bull player profile, and show him support on Twitter.