Wentworth rising star chases the ball in pursuit of his dreams
The Wentworth born and bred rising star has been afforded the opportunity to play soccer in Spain through the Marbella Football Academy.
KEEN to kick off a soccer career abroad is 17-year-old, Keane Ronne.
The Wentworth born and bred rising star has been afforded the opportunity to play soccer in Spain through the Marbella Football Academy.
“My friend who is an agent for the academy introduced me to this opportunity and asked me to send him footage of me playing to see if I would make the cut and enter into the one-month trial where I need to pay R21 000 to participate,” he said. Here he will improve his skills enabling him to take his game to the next level through the most advanced training and high exposure in youth football tournaments.
Marbella International Football Academy has been designed by football professionals to offer young international footballers or aspiring future players the opportunity to improve, develop their skills, learn, get competitive experience and ultimately get noticed.
“It’s a big opportunity because once you’re in the academy, other opportunities present themselves. It’s always been my dream to play overseas in the big leagues. I’m very excited. It’s a big opportunity and it’s what I’ve been striving for.”
He is busy with fundraising plans to raise funds, which include hosting soccer tournaments. His flights will cost an additional R30 000 and he is scheduled to leave on January, 9 next year.
His father, Wayne played a big part in his love for the game. “My dad was quite the player back in the day. Growing up I also used to play soccer on the street with my older brother and his friends. That’s how I got really into it and I’ve been playing ever since.”
As a young player, Keane first started at Crusaders FC as an U9 before moving to Bayview FC and later securing an opportunity to play for Lamontville Golden Arrows for about two seasons. His other highlights include being offered the opportunity to play for Maritzburg United FC, representing KZN schools on several soccer tours as well as being presented with the opportunity to go to Manchester for a soccer tour but unfortunately, expenses were an issue.
“Playing for local teams always fuelled my passion. I’m every competitive and I like winning. The shift from leaving club soccer to playing for my current school, Northwood Secondary, was very difficult in the beginning. But I had to grow up and mature very quickly as I also board at the school and don’t live at home. Playing soccer is what I’m there for because I’m on a 100% scholarship for soccer.”
He has been at the school for three years and is the only learner with a full scholarship, which is his biggest accomplishment so far. The matriculant admits that juggling academics and sport has been difficult.
“I’m currently writing trials and I’ll start finals in November, all while preparing for the start of a soccer season.
“I use soccer as an escape because life is never perfect. When I’m on the field, everything just stops for those 90 minutes and that’s all I’m focused on at that particular moment. What I do find challenging about the sport is the fitness aspect. Performing at your best requires you to be fit throughout the game,” said the mid-fielder who recently sprained his wrist during a training session.
He suffered his biggest injury last year when he broke a bone in his foot and sprained his ankle. “I was out the whole of last year but luckily Covid-19 hit. So that was sort of a good thing in my way. I was on crutches and needed rehab. It took me about seven months to fully recover but fortunately, it won’t hinder me from playing professionally one day.
He shared that the biggest lesson he has learnt from his passion has been to always be humble both on the field and in everyday life. “It’s easy to get cocky when you have make it to good teams but I’ve gotten punished for that. So being humble has been a big lesson for me. My dad has been my biggest support and guides on this path and I just want to make my entire family proud.
“My goal is to make it to Spain and subsequently make the first team. I’ve given myself 24 months to make that happen. Thereafter I’d like to move on and get into bigger clubs. Five years from now I’d like to come back home and create an opportunity for the local youth to also realise their dreams to play abroad,” said Keane who hopes to one day give back to his community of Wentworth. The soccer star needs to raise a total of about R40 000.
Funds can be donated to the following banking details: Capitec, PE Ronne, 1828959586. For more information call 074 861 7470 or 074 235 5969.
