Munro rises to the challenge with the Risers
Lakefield resident Alexi Munro (28) will be doing battle on the soccer fields of the USA, after signing on with the independent professional men’s soccer team, Muskegon Risers Soccer Club.
The deal was facilitated by Heroes Futbol Association (HFA), after a liaison was made between the head director of HFA, Sidney Frewen, and assistant coach of Muskegon Risers Michael Lee (also from Benoni).
“Alexi has been working extremely hard on his football career for years,” said Frewen.
“He is currently the director of coaching for HFA and will be missed by the Heroes family and his loved ones when he leaves in early April.”
The former Benoni High School pupil and long-standing Benoni Northerns Football Club player told the City Times he was extremely excited to head out to the USA.
Munro, who plays in defence and in midfield, previously tasted life and soccer in the US when he played under Lee at Rocket City Alabama, in 2010, a season where he was acknowledged as the team’s most valued player.
Commenting on his signing with the team at the age of 28, Munro said: “In European football I am regarded as a grandpa, but in the US they do generally sign a lot of older players.
“The game is getting bigger and bigger in the States, so I am going to give it a full go.”
While Munro will be looking forward to his move to Muskegon Risers, local players can showcase their talent and skills — and possibly earn a move to the US — when HFA hosts trials for high school and university soccer scholarships, semi-professional teams and Muskegon Risers.
Lee, the assistant coach of the Risers, will be flown out to scout talented players.
Trials will consist of one training session and small-sided games on Saturday, February 7, and full-sided games on Sunday, February 8.
There will also be a talk on supplements in sport, as well as a talk on information and procedures regarding scholarships and trials abroad, among other things.
The trials (for players between 17 and 23 years) will be held at Bonaero Park Football Club, on Saturday (9am to 5pm) and Sunday (9am to 1pm).
To register your spot for the trials and for more information contact Munro on 072 378 7320, or email to zenden69@hotmail.com, or sidneyfrewen11@yahoo.com.
