Young keeper’s safe hands keep team going
His favourite player is Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from FC Barcelona. He’d like to play for Mamelodi Sundowns or Paris Saint-Germain.
Standing between the posts with his hands on his knees, Blake van Niekerk has no problem smothering the incoming ball and quickly releasing it to launch a counter-attack for his team, Boots and Balls.
The young goalie was one of many outstanding players at the pre-season tournament organised by Benoni Spurs at Willowmoore Park on March 11 and 12.
Playing in front of a packed crowd, parents and coaches yelling instructions on the touchline, Van Niekerk shut out all the noise and concentrated only on the one thing that mattered, which is keep a clean sheet for his team.
It was his safe hands, good decision-making and the camaraderie he enjoys with his teammates that made the game a spectacle, while his reflexes between the sticks were a marvel to watch.
Like his idol, Barcelona and Germany shot-stopper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, he is adept at playing from the back, is agile and has excellent shot-stopping skills.
“Goalkeepers are an important part of the match, and I enjoy learning new ways of stopping the ball,” the goalie said.
The Boots and Balls number one displayed his influence on the game with an excellent reading of the match, allowing his teammates to quickly launch attacks after winning back possession.
The youngster says soccer has helped him keep fit and, importantly, he’s made many friends with whom he enjoys spending time.
“I love going to practise every Friday night with my teammates at the Italian Club in Boksburg North. We practice hard and enjoy match days.
“We always cheer each other on, and we are our biggest supporters. Our coaches teach us to do our best and always have fun,” he said.
Van Niekerk said his dream is to represent South Africa at an international level and play for the DStv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, or French Ligue 1 outfit, Paris Saint-Germain.
Besides football, he enjoys swimming, chess and playing video games with his friends.
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