Crawford North Coast old-boy dreams of soccer stardom
Malik Jr Maloka joined the Riera Sports Academy in Barcelona earlier this year, through which he represents CE Júpiter playing in the semi-professional Spanish regional league system, typically a feeder for professional teams.
Crawford International North Coast old-boy, Malik Jr Maloka (20), is currently playing soccer in Spain, chasing his dream of sport superstardom.
Originally from Johannesburg, Maloka has been playing soccer since the age of 12, but really kicked on in the sport after matriculating.
Starting his career as a centre-back in the heart of the defence, he has since moved to the left wing and has already showed a keen eye for goal.
“Transferring to the North Coast gave me the opportunity to showcase that I have the technical ability to become an attacking player rather than a defender. In my first year I finished the season as the top scorer,” he said.
Although he did not represent any provincial teams, Maloka kept his head down through a Covid-19 affected matric and first year out of school, playing in any game he could find.
Whether it be in a friendly five-a-side game or while playing for Old Parks in Rosebank, Johannesburg, Maloka said he tried to be the hardest working player on any team he featured in.
This has stood him in good stead since joining the Riera Sports Academy in Barcelona earlier this year, through which he represents CE Júpiter.
The club plays in the semi-professional Spanish regional league system, typically a feeder for professional teams.
“Standards here are very demanding and you have to work week-in-week-out just to keep your position on the field. Compared to SA, the pace of the game is quicker while being a lot more technical – in most situations you barely have time to even look up,” he said.
Though it would be blasphemous to admit in Barcelona, Maloka supports Real Madrid (among other teams in different leagues), while his favourite player is the Brazilian, Neymar.
He has a few months left with the club, after which he will seek opportunities at different clubs across Europe.
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