2010 Fifa World Cup motivated younger Ace to fall in love with soccer
The young superstar wanted his name to also be written in the books of SA football history like Siphiwe Tshabalala.
For most South African football lovers, the words ‘World Cup’ reflect memories of the 2010 Fifa World Cup and the blaze of skill and flair.
Hawks FC left-wingback player Kgothatso ‘Ace’ Ditle admitted that the enthralling and pulsating opening match between South Africa and Mexico is the reason he is a soccer player today.
At the time of the prestigious tournament, Ace was only eight years old and after witnessing Siphiwe Tshabalala’s 55th-minute rocket goal, the young superstar wanted his name to also be written in the books of SA football history.
“I wanted and still want to be remembered as a person who played a huge role in building the sports community. I want to be remembered not only as a soccer player but as someone who owns a football academy.”
Throughout his journey to becoming the player he is today, Ace had to face some struggles like most soccer players, one of them is not having a soccer kit.
“One of my most unforgettable moments was when I had no soccer boots and I was dropped to the bench which forced me to take a break from soccer for a year,” he explained.
The 21-year-old fullback said his proudest achievement in soccer was winning the U17 Gauteng Development League.
Fullbacks are a type of defender whose primary goal is to play defence on the outer edges of the pitch, but with modern football, fullbacks are also used as wingers.
Ace is a versatile player who can play running back, tight end, full back, or wide receiver. As a recent matriculant, he desires to be accepted by one higher institution to fulfill his dream of playing in the Varsity Cup.
“I always remind myself of where I want to be and I always tell myself that things will get better, so I know that one day I will baller in the Varsity Cup. Hard work always beats talent, and I will work hard to reach that level.”
Hawks are currently sitting in the first position in the regional league with 22 points and Ace said there is currently no team that can go pound for pound with them as ‘we are stronger than before’.
Ace concluded that the SA 2010 Fifa World Cup legacy continues to live with the modern players as most of them fell in love with soccer during that time.
Related Article:
