Avid football local makes Baroka FC
“I signed with the agency and thereafter proceeded to meet with Baroka on that very next Monday.”
Former Farrarmere resident Tristan John Nikitaridis (22) was recently selected to join the Baroka FC team and has relocated to Polokwane.
“It was truly a dream come true and I only have God to thank for everything that has happened, especially at the pace it has happened,” said Nikitaridis.
“I was slightly doubtful at first, thinking that a professional football team wanted to sign me directly to their first team, but during the process, I was in a trance sort of state filled with happiness and satisfaction.”
This now professional football player received a call from a company called Cream Sport Management, who informed him that the chairperson of Baroka FC wanted to sign him after watching him play during the Varsity Cup, in which he played for the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
“I signed with the agency and thereafter proceeded to meet with Baroka on that very next Monday. We talked and a contract was signed in the end, as I was more than happy with this incredible opportunity. The contract is a three-year deal with the option to renew for a further two years. I have appeared in two matches already, one being against SuperSport United and the other against Royal AM.”
Nikitaridis began his football career at a young age, leading him to achievements that he never dreamt were achievable.
“My grandfather got me addicted to this incredible sport. He created my passion and showed me all I can remember about football from those young days. He always supported me and loved coming to my matches. One day he forced my mum to take me to play at Benoni Northerns at the age of five, and this is where it all began.”
This former UJ student loves absolutely everything about football, it’s his passion.
“I love the way football unites all in the world. The endless love I have created throughout my career will always keep me focused and in love with this beautiful game. Football has opened up so many doors for me.”
This avid football player began playing for UJ in 2018, which led to scouts finding him, and in turn, led to his now reality of playing for Baroka FC.
“I was studying at UJ as well as playing my sport and completed my National Diploma in Sport Management. I felt extremely blessed and honoured to be a part of such an incredible team and group. Winning the trophy in the end at the Varsity Cup was just extra icing on the already incredible cake,” he explained.
“I only stopped playing for UJ now in 2021 due to being signed by Baroka.
“I would never have been able to do this without my family. Everyone has been absolutely incredible. Thank you to my UJ family, to coach Mandla Zwane who has always been my best coach and always pushed for the best for me, to my incredible Baroka family along with my agency Cream Sports Management and last but not least, to my partner Mia who has been with me through the good and bad always.”
Nikitaridis is ecstatic to now be living in the reality of his dream and would like to give some advice to all the young aspiring football players out there.
“Never stop pushing for your dream, there are going to be many ups and downs but you just have to maintain your focus on the end goal. Going the extra mile will always give you the advantage you need. I say that only since I found God have I been blessed with all these achievements. He has given me everything in life,” he concluded.
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