Youngster headed to AC Milan Academy for trials
He was selected by the WWS as having the skills necessary for going on soccer tours for professional clubs and academies.
Elijah Naidoo from Superstars Academy has been invited to attend the World Wide Scholarships (WWS) Italian Development Tour later this year.
This comes after the Woodlands International Academy learner was selected by the WWS as having the skills necessary for attending soccer tours for professional clubs and academies.
In Italy, the 11-year old will link up with the AC Milan Elite Junior Academy for a two-week trial.
According to the WWS, Elijah’s footballing prowess could earn him a scholarship to study at top schools and academies abroad.
“He has the talent to play soccer at an international university or high school and potentially gain funding or scholarship offers to study abroad.”
Elijah told the paper that he started playing soccer at the age of three at Benoni Northerns Football Club (BNFC).
“I started at Northerns and quit for a year. At the age of five, I went back to Northerns and I was there for a few years. I then moved to Woodlands Academy three years ago,” he said.
His father, Shan, has likened him to seven-time Ballon d’or winner Lionel Messi for his adeptness at pulling the strings and getting the team out of dangerous situations.
Like Messi, Elijah is left-footed and small in stature. Shan said with his ability he has proven that dynamites come in small packages.
“He is small but he is a quick and intelligent footballer. After matches, I measure his performance not by his contributions towards goals but by his thinking.
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“I ask him to identify the challenges with his opponents, what changes he made in the game and his overall impact.
“This will build his character. At Superstars Academy we strive to build intelligent footballers. We want to get the players to think and analyse the game rather than focus on winning.”
His father may have been taken by his Messiesque qualities and FC Barcelona’s flair, but the Woodlands Academy deputy head boy’s favourite team and player are based across the English Channel.
“I like Bruno Fernandez because he’s a playmaker and plays in the same position as I do and he also plays for my favourite team, Manchester United.”
Shan beams with confidence at the prospect of his son potentially scoring a contract with AC Milan’s academy.
“We are planning to go to Milan in September. I’m super proud of him for being accepted. His hard work and passion for the game are what will continue to push him to the next level.”
His coach Calvin Deetlefs explained that Elijah is a well-rounded and disciplined athlete.
“Elijah is one of the most wholehearted kids I’ve worked with both on and off the pitch with absolutely everything he commits himself to.
“He is one of the core examples of what we aspire to teach kids at the academy, demonstrating his advanced ability in multiple disciplines. There aren’t many players his age that put so much passion and heart into his actions and it shows on the pitch and other environments,” said Deetlefs.
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