Football ace lands TV slot
The producer of the show was so impressed with his football knowledge he offered Reece a weekly review.
Ten-year-old Amanzimtoti football fan Reece Smith is realising his dream of becoming the first ever born disabled football commentator and pundit.
Reece, who was born with arthrogryposis, was accepted into Barclays Premier League Fanzone, which is aired live on weekdays from 4.30pm to 5pm on Dstv’s Supersport 3 channel.
He made an appearance on Fanzone at the end of last season where he competed in a spot quiz against football expert, Jonathan Joseph and beat him 3-2. The producer of the show, Simon Dolman and the production crew were so impressed with his football knowledge that Simon contacted Wesley and offered Reece a weekly review.
“I was nervous the first time I went on TV, but my Dad told me it is because I worry about what people will think of me if I make a mistake,” said the young football fanatic.
“He said the people who matter are the people who love me and want me to do my best. So I think about the people who love me and then I don’t get nervous.
I’ve been a football fan since I was four-years-old, but my dad said I used to love it when someone scored a goal since I was two. Apparently I would shout “goal” not only for soccer, but also for rugby tries, when a golfer sunk the ball and even when a wave broke on the sand at the beach.
Liverpool is my favourite team because they are the most successful English team and have won the most Champions League trophies of all the English teams.
I think they have a great chance of winning the league this season because Jurgen Klopp is a fantastic manager and Liverpool do not have European football this year, so they will be fresh for their premiership games.”
Reece will film his review each week and send it in to be aired on the live show, which is broacast to 70 million households worldwide. His debut show will air this week.
People can join his Facebook page ‘Reece’s Reds Review’ to be informed when his shows will be broadcast. You can start debates with the football guru, predict scores and post opinions on previous games or upcoming fixtures.
“Friendly banter is more than welcome, however please keep it PG 10,” said Reece’s father Wesley.
Anyone who fancies themselves as the ultimate fan can inbox Wesley to set up football debates in person with Reece. “They do not need to be Liverpool supporters as his knowledge of all the English teams and more will amaze even the most ardent football supporter. He already has a massive football knowledge about the English Premier League, Champions Leagues, world cups, La Liga, Serie A, PSL and more, but he is always willing to learn more as his chosen career path will demand a vast and substantial comprehension of everything football,” said Wesley.
The young football expert will give a minute review of all Liverpool games every week for the duration of the Premier League season on Fanzone.
He will also make live Skype-call appearances on Fanzone to discuss the 2016/17 season with ex-pros, professional pundits and studio guests regularly during the season.
Reece is working on his first fact-based football book, which he is looking to release before the end of the year.
To stay updated, join his Facebook page.
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