Young footballer to share his passion with Cruzeiro Academy
“I am looking forward to learning the important aspects of Brazilian football and learning their style of football with all their flair and skills."
Rising Benoni star Elijah Naidoo is set to experience the intensity of South American football after securing an invitation to a week-long training stint with Brazilian powerhouse Cruzeiro.
This trip could prove to be a turning point in the 15-year-old left wing-back’s journey to becoming a professional footballer.
“I am looking forward to learning the important aspects of Brazilian football and their style of play, with all its flair and skills. Hopefully, it will make me a better footballer. I also want to build new relationships with the coaches and players, as well as learn how to speak Portuguese,” he said.
Naidoo earned the opportunity after his father, upon hearing about Hola Skoko Academy’s trip to Brazil, approached the club’s owner to secure his son’s inclusion.
The talented footballer, who plays for Future of Africa FC in the Gauteng Development Promotion League (GDPL), is determined to impress the Cruzeiro Academy coaches in the hope of turning this opportunity into a lasting relationship.
“I believe being exposed to their training methodology and sessions will improve my confidence and skills, and help me become a more intelligent footballer. I am aiming to impress them so that the relationship with the club can become more permanent.”
Naidoo started playing football at the age of four and has had stints with several clubs, including Benoni Northerns, Woodlands International Football Academy (WIFA) and Joburg City. He said he hopes this opportunity will help him sharpen his attacking play.
“I would like to improve my attacking play and gain more control of the ball. I am a quiet player who does not stand out because I always pass the ball. After this training, I want to have the confidence to hold onto the ball so that I can show my capabilities.
“Although I am learning to be more confident on the ball, I am also learning to play with footballers who are better than me. Training with stronger players and learning their skills will push me to perform at their level.”
The youngster’s passion for the game has already taken him abroad, with opportunities to travel and play internationally in Spain and Denmark.
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