Parktown Boys’ Grade 9 talent Luay Bhamjee has taken the field by storm, helping his Gauteng U15 football squad claim victory at the recent TDS U15 Inter-Provincial Tournament held on September 20–21. With unwavering determination, Luay not only played a key role in the team’s success but also helped in the team being named the Team of the Tournament. A fitting honour for his standout performance.
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Reflecting on the victory, Luay’s face lights up with excitement. “It was honestly amazing. At first, I was shocked and didn’t have many words,” he says, his passion evident. “But it was a very good experience, and I’m really happy to have made it.” For Luay, football is more than a game, it’s a legacy. Inspired by his father, who once played professionally, he aspires to follow in his footsteps and take his love for the sport to the next level.
Luay plays as an attacking midfielder and sometimes shifts to a winger position. It’s a role he relishes, allowing him to be: ‘The main man. The playmaker’, on the field, creating and scoring goals that elevate his team. Luay vividly recalls his favourite moment of the tournament: a crucial match against Western Cape. His two goals helped turn the tide for Gauteng, moving them from the bottom of the table to the top. “The first day was tough,” he admits, “but we switched on, and that game against Western Cape was a must-win. That was the highlight for me.”
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Balancing his studies with football is no easy task, but Luay has a disciplined approach. “Before all tournaments, I finish all my schoolwork,” he explains. This careful planning enables him to focus entirely on his matches, free of distractions. Luay’s dedication and work ethic extend beyond the field, influenced by his football hero Cristiano Ronaldo, whose discipline and longevity in the game inspires him. “Ronaldo’s desire and work ethic have shaped how I approach my game. He’s old, but he still takes care of his body and diet,” Luay shares.
Luay dreams of going overseas to play in a top European league, and also of wearing the South African National Colours for Bafana Bafana. With his commitment, skill, and unwavering ambition, Luay Bhamjee is a young talent to watch.
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