Northriding based young soccer player Umi Ntanzi was born in KwaZulu-Natal, Ladysmith. He started playing soccer when he was six years old and looks up to players like Keagan Dolly and Lionel Messi.
Umi Ntanzi writes:
I am inspired by the love and passion I have for the game. But making my family proud, especially my grandparents, is the one thing that keeps me moving forward. They were in my eyes the true definition of successful black individuals. My grandfather was able to become successful businessman in the rural areas and my grandmother had the opportunity to go to England as a nurse. This was and especially difficult thing for them to accomplish in their era, so their story motivates me.
I’m currently playing for Velocity Football Academy U17 in the Rand Central Local Football Association (RCLFA). I keep pushing myself and working hard, I see myself playing in Europe in the next five years.
I recently got a chance to travel to Spain and participate in the Surf Cup tournament. Spain was amazing, we had an opportunity to play against one of the best clubs in Brazil, CR Flamengo. The intensity was high, the level was completely different from South Africa and the passion and love of the games were insane. The first few games were a bit shaky because most of us were scared and nervous but once we adjusted to their style of play, we started performing way better.
We also got to visit Iconic stadiums like Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and we also did a lot of sightseeing.
Soccer helps me improve my life and takes me off the streets. There is very little room for being a troublesome kid and soccer helps me relieve my stress, it relaxes and calms me. It’s my happy place.
To every young player out there trying to make it, like I am, just believe in yourself. Work hard to never think less of yourself. Don’t compare yourself to other players. Every player is talented and gifted in their own unique way. Never doubt yourself and most importantly never think that you never going to make it.
The standard of football in the country is fun and entertaining to watch. The majority of the players that make it in PSL start slacking off because of their salaries. If they can be hungry and dream even bigger South Africa would be one of the best international teams in the world. The talent is there and so are the skills, all that’s missing is the hunger.
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