Professional footballers in the making are right in our midst
NORWOOD – Two aspiring local footballers have set for themselves the highest goals which they undoubtedly aim to achieve.
Norwood Young Stars Academy has some undeniable talent in its midst.
Two young players of the football club shared their love and aspirations for soccer.
Kabelo Ramaloko (17) who is currently the youngest captain in the league attends Highlands North Boys High School. The young footballer described the sport as his passion which he started playing in 2013 when the academy was launched.
“I started by learning from family members as all the male members are soccer players. I started being captain in 2016 then I continued being captain until I was U17 in Grade 9. In Grade 7, I won medals for being best player of the year and in Grade 8 and 9, I played for the school and got a certificate. Last year I was elected as first team captain,” Kabelo said.
When it comes to a role model, Kabelo said he looked up to Fortune Makaringe who plays for Orlando Pirates. “He inspires me because he plays in the same position as mine [central defence] and does so amazingly. He’s also doing so much for his family.”
Kabelo sees himself as a professional football player in the future. “To younger people like me, I’d encourage them to keep pushing, motivate each other and work together towards one goal. Do more training than anything in order to achieve goals.”
His fellow teammate, 16-year-old Karabo Phiri plays in central midfield and is just as passionate about football. He said he started playing the game at the age of 10.
“At Highlands North Boys High School, I started playing last year. In Grade 8, I wasn’t playing for the school team so much but was playing mostly for Norwood Young Stars. However, now I play for both,” Karabo said.
He added that in 2019 his highlight was achieving player of the season. “The player who inspires me is N’golo Kante who plays central midfield for Chelsea [in England]. I see myself as a professional football player in the future and I hope to be scouted by bigger clubs. To younger people out there, I would advise you to be passionate, set life goals that you can aim to reach.”
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