Soccer star puts Bluff on the map
Kyle started playing at the tender age of five when his mother first took him down to, Bayview FC, where he continued to play for most of his junior years.
BORN and bred on the Bluff, professional player Kyle Davies, 29, has the makings of a soccer star and has several accomplishments under his belt to prove it.
Kyle started playing at the tender age of five when his mother first took him down to, Bayview FC, where he continued to play for most of his junior years, setting the tone for his now flourishing career.
READ: Seasoned soccer coach implements ‘fun’damentals on soccer field
Kyle shared that he cherishes all of his current achievements however, receiving player of the tournament at the FNB Grey College Soccer Festival in 2007 and 2008 and being granted a full soccer scholarship to Oklahoma City University in USA in 2010, remain particularly significant. He has also played in the Nedbank Ke Yona team starting XI vs Kaizer Chiefs in 2013 and signed his first professional contract with Orlando Pirates in 2014. He was also named captain of Real Kings FC in 2018 and received the club’s chairman’s award in 2019.
His most recent achievement was signing to Lamontville Golden Arrows FC this year. “I currently play for the club in the Premier League. I am really enjoying my time there so far,” said the seasoned player who dreams of playing at the highest possible level in the sport and representing his country.
With so many achievements, it can be easy to overlook the struggles, but Kyle shared that he has encountered several of these on his personal road to success. “I have faced many challenges in my career so far. These include scarce opportunities, failures and rejection. I feel like I had to go through all that to get where I am today. Challenges are a crucial part in any career, as it builds character and reveals your true self.”
“What I love most about soccer is its power to unite people. It brings different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities together who can all express themselves through this beautiful game called soccer. I would definitely say that it is my passion, because it makes me happy and brings me joy. I feel blessed that God has given me the talent and opportunity to play every day.”
The Lamontville Arrows player is also involved in his community through his church, the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish on the Bluff.
READ: Women’s soccer team claims golden victory
The widespread coronavirus pandemic has unfortunately put on hold some of his upcoming tournaments and affected his training with the current national lockdown. “Our season has been suspended until further notice, so everything has come to a standstill. We’ve seen how destructive it has been so far and it is something that should not be taken lightly by anyone,” cautioned Kyle who looks forward to being back on the field post-lockdown.
His advice to young aspiring soccer players: “Always work hard, as there is no substitute for this. Furthermore, you have to be focused and willing to make sacrifices to achieve your goals. The most important bit of advice however, is to acknowledge God in all you do. This is critical because we can make plans and do whatever we want, but it is God who has the final say, and it is Him who blesses us abundantly.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
