Ahead of the new Cymru South season, which kicks off on Friday 16th August, we pick out five rising stars who could be set for breakout campaigns…
Carn Thomas, Cambrian & Clydach Vale
Having been at Cardiff City from U10 to U16 level playing alongside Wales International Rabbi Matondo, his talent was showcased from a young age.
But following his departure from Cardiff, it was Cambrian & Clydach Vale who offered him a route back into football.
Featuring in the FAW Youth Cup final defeat to Swansea City, Thomas has already achieved plenty at the Tonypandy club.
In 2017/2018, Carn was named the Young Player of the Year of Cambrian, a prestigious club award.
Thomas played in arguably the biggest scalp in the clubs history, when they beat Cymru Premier giants The New Saints, Dane Williams’ faith in the defender was shown.
He may not have played in the final against Cardiff Met, but being around the first team has been beneficial.
Thomas is already born into a family of football, being the nephew of Craig Thomas, who played for Rhondda rivals Ton Pentre.
Making his debut at the age of 16, Carn has made more than 50 senior appearances at senior level.
Featuring at centre-back and right-back, he has learned from one of South Wales’ best, having been coached by former Cardiff City defender Jason Perry.
With loyalty to youth, Carn Thomas is in the right place, being at Cambrian & Clydach Vale.
Dion Molyneux, Cwmbran Celtic
Formerly on the books of Newport County, Dion Molyneux is at the right place, working alongside Newport County coach Nicky Morgan at Cwmbran Celtic.
The 20-year-old knows all too well how to deal with rejection, he was turned away from Bristol Rovers at 16, so he battled to remain in football and earned a scholarship with Newport.
Having played with a number of professionals of Newport in pre-season and reserve games, the young defender has learned how to add various traits to his game.
Molyneux, predominantly a centre-half, can also play as a defensive midfielder.
Playing in the same team as Barry Town United’s Evan Press and loanee Momodou Touray, Molyneux has seen first hand where talent in the Welsh system can take you.
Molyneux got off to the best of starts with Cwmbran Celtic, having kept a clean sheet against Afan Lido on his debut.
Exauce Dimonekene, STM Sports
Hailing from DRC Congo, 20-year-old goalkeeper Exauce Dimonekene had one of the best seasons in senior football.
Displacing Damien Lack in goals, Dimonekene was part of the STM Sports side which won the Division Two title. The defence conceded just 41 goals that season, with Exauce conceding just 25.
Dimonkene originally started as a center-back, before turning into a goalkeeper for Bridgend Street, after a goalkeeper hadn’t turned up, he took it upon himself to don the gloves.
Rather than receiving goalkeeping training himself, Exauce has trained himself, by religiously watching videos of goalkeepers, picking up things along the way, before putting it into practice by training by himself.
His learning by online has seen him take up a role with Taffs Well’s youth team, by filming their games and allowing them to improve by virtual training.
Exauce later moved to Caerau Ely and featured on their bench, but it was STM Sports who gave him his chance at senior football.
He was voted in the Welsh League Division Two Team of the Season las season, following STM Sports’ campaign.
Noah Daley, Afan Lido
Already, Daley has had a taste of the professional game. Last season he had trial spells with Colchester United, giants Leeds United, and non-league side Hereford.
This was during a season where he made 24 starts for the Lido, scoring 11 goals as a wide striker. He took a double swoop at the club awards, earning the Player and Supporters Player of the Year.
A trial with Wrexham took place this summer and now the Lido man will be hoping to take that experience into the new season.
A Wales Schoolboys international, Daley should make the impact he has in previous seasons.
Tristan Jenkins, Ammanford
A summer signing from Llanelli, Tristan Jenkins
The 17-year-old made 17 appearances last season, scoring one goal. A majority of his appearances saw him come off the bench, but after Phase Two, he tended to earn more starts.
In total, he had five starts, as well as 12 substitute appearances.
But now in a lower division, Jenkins will have a great opportunity to excel at Cymru South level.
He’ll also be coming up against his former club Llanelli Town, this season.
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