Spain waits for Kyalami footballer
KYALAMI – The aim of playing for playing in a premier league is high for young footballer Thibedi Rapoo as he is to jet off to Spain.
A St Peter’s College alumnus and Kyalami resident is hoping to do his country proud as he is headed to Spain to join a football academy.
Thibedi Rapoo has been playing football since a young age, and is on course to showing the world what South Africa has to offer in football talent by joining the Bigtime Sports Academy based in Malaga.
The 18-year-old said he had planned to go to the United Kingdom but that had fallen through due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The opportunity came last year when I was looking to play abroad after my high school time. My plan to go to the UK had not worked out due to the pandemic.
“My principal at school, Mr [Rui] Morais asked me how the search was going and he suggested I speak to one of the agents he knows, and it worked out really well because it was exactly what I was looking for,” he said.
He will be there on a trial basis for a minimum of three months and play friendly matches, all while having his progress monitored and hopefully he can acquire a professional contact at one of the Spanish clubs.
Playing in one of the top leagues in either Spain, Germany or England is the long-term goal for Thibedi.
“I was really excited when I found out I’m going to Spain. I’d love to play in one of the top leagues in these countries. For Germany, there are teams like Bayern Leverkusen or Borussia Dortmund. For Spain, there’s Barcelona or Real Madrid.
“It’s also a good chance to represent my country. I think there’s a lot of talent in South Africa but it’s unfortunate how underdeveloped or lack of guidance there is to nurture that talent. I’m happy to show what Africa offers, what South Africa has to offer.”
When not playing or watching football, his favourite team is Manchester City, Thibedi also enjoys watching basketball as well as boxing.
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