Duane shines in Robin van Persie Tournament

The event was held in the former Manchester United’s striker’s home country, the Netherlands.

The nine-year-old Freeway Park Primary player featured as a midfielder and a goalkeeper for the u-10 South African All Stars team, which was made up of the best young talent from all corners of the country.

The SA All Stars battled it out for top honours against Europe’s top talented teams, including Feyenoord Rotterdam, PSV Eindhoven, Vitesse Arnhem (Netherlands), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspurs (England), RSC Anderlecht, Club Brugge (Belgium) and Sporting CP (Portugal).

Asked about his standout moments in Holland, Bennett replied: “I scored a goal against Chelsea, which was later disallowed and we went on to lose the match 2-0. Also, playing against Europe’s giant teams, like Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.”

The Mpumalanga Black Aces player also expressed his delight at meeting van Persie.

“I felt proud of myself for making it that far, I felt happy,” he said.

Bennett also met van Persie’s former teammate at Man United, Darren Fletcher, and former Liverpool and England forward Emile Heskey.

The South African All Stars finished eighth in their 10-team standings, ahead of England duo Spurs and Chelsea, while Anderlecht were crowned winners.

“We would like to thank God for his grace over our son’s life and gift he has given him,” read a statement from Bennett’s parents.

“Then we would like to thank his school, Freeway Park Primary, for their support, as well as our family and friends.”

Van Persie also expressed gratitude for the success of his tournament.

“I thank all the people who have worked hard to make this event possible,” he said.

”Special thanks to Robert-Jan Uitterdijk for creating the new football and sponsor village, thanks to all the sponsors who have helped in making the dreams of young footballers come true, and thanks to the sporting director James van der Kraan for bringing all these great teams to my tournament.”

The Dutch striker recently signed for Turkish giants Fenerbahce SK.

Bennett has since attended Eastern trials, where he made it into the Eastern A team.

Final standings:

U-10: 1 Anderlecht, 2 PSV, 3 Feyenoord, 4 Sporting, 5 Borussia Dortmund, 6 Club Brugge, 7 Vitesse, 8 >SA All Stars, 9 Tottenham Hotspur, 10 Chelsea.

Player of the Tournament: Mike Kleijn (Feyenoord) and Enock Aguye (Anderlecht).

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Gulherme Pires (Sporting). – <ct:Bold>@SabeloBoksburg<ct:><ct:Bold>

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