Soccer players, Thabo Masogo, Sabelo Hlongwane and Ryan Pelser, from Central Baptist University in Conway told a group of third graders, in the classroom of teacher Elizabeth Sowder, at VPS, "most everyone in our country enjoys watching soccer."

The threesome along with their coach Justin Hawkins visited third graders at Vilonia Elementary Friday afternoon sharing information regarding soccer, their homeland of South Africa as well as their hometown of Johannesburg. They told the students the city is similar to New York in the 60s. South Africa, they explained, is multi-ethnic and has diverse cultures and languages thus referred to as the Rainbow Nation.

Eleven official languages are recognized. None of the three spoke all. One spoke six languages. The players talked briefly about the apartheid that ended in 1994, resulting in a more harmonic nation. "We don't really see color in our country anymore," Hlongwane said. "We don't have a right as newborns to harbor the feelings our parents have. " They said the sport of soccer is also a force that brings their nation together.

They touched on the subjects of food, drive through banks, free refills at fast food restaurants and coping with being away from their families. The students came to the university at Conway, because it afforded them an opportunity to get their degrees and play soccer at the same time, unlike schools in their country. They talked about their love for the sport and the sacrifice they made leaving their families.

The players said in South Africa, at the age of 18, they would not have the freedom as teenagers do in the United States. "For us to leave home is an unheard of thing at that age," Hlongwane said. More than once, the players impressed on the students, "Without an education, you really do not have much." In conclusion, Coach Hawkins touted the praises of each player saying they are a powerhouse for the college regarding soccer.

Hlongwane, he said, is the all-time leading scorer at the college. All three, he offered, are making their mark on the sport. The coach encouraged the younger students to take note of their names. He said he anticipates the trio's names will be in the news regarding national sports.

A request from the youngsters, the soccer players did not get out of the classroom without handing out autographs.