Orange Grove football player David Uchehara is counting down the days until he lands in Italy to make his professional football dreams come true.

David, who has been playing football since he could kick a ball, began his journey at Norwood Young Stars Football Club. The football player says the news that his football career is going international came sooner than expected.

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“I knew, from the age of 8, that someday I would go abroad to play football, but I didn’t think it would happen a few years later in my teens.”

Norwood Youngsters Football Club founder Venita Masisi said she is proud of how far David has come. “I was a bit upset about David’s move from the club, but I am so happy for him and his family. The club is about development, and I am glad that we were the foundation for his football career.”

Masisi added that it was heartwarming to see David’s parents stick beside him and support his overseas endeavours.

Lawrence Uchehara, David’s father, said he was ecstatic that his son achieved this goal at such a tender age.

“My prayer is to see him playing for Chelsea, or another huge team. I’m thankful to his current club, Rojo Sports Academy, for giving him the support it has. My hope is that he continues to do well and, eventually, builds a future there so that the family can join him abroad.”

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Jorge Abong, former professional player, Rojo Sports Academy founder, and David’s current coach, explained that his first encounter with David was at a football tournament.

“I met David, and his father, at a tournament and I was interested in coaching him after I saw his skills which impressed me. The father and I had a chat from there and the rest has been history.”

Abong added that his football club was born from the idea of giving back to the community, and to give children local and international opportunities.

“David went to Italy three months ago for football trials, where he showed good qualities and impressed the football team, Frosinone Calcio. He earned himself the contract, which includes studying, and will be going back in the next couple of months.”

Upon arrival, David will undergo a probation period, which is aimed at helping him adapt and transition into the team.

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