Budding soccer star has his eye on the ball
BBSPS learner, Blaine Engelbrecht is a promising soccer player, who comes alive on the field.
BLUFF boy, Blaine Engelbrecht, possess a passion for life and the makings of a true soccer star.
The Brighton Beach Senior Primary School (BBSPS) learner is a promising soccer player, who comes alive on the field. His love for the game began when he first played for Bayview FC when he was five years old and has had his boot on the ball ever since. He went on to join KZN Football Academy where he is now. He also plays for his school’s U13 soccer team.
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The 2019 VW Soccer Tournament remains one of his biggest highlights for him so far. “I went to the trials for the KZN team, and successfully made the cut. We went on to play against other teams from other provinces in Johannesburg. It was a really great experience and I learnt a lot,” he said.
Having had a grandfather who played rugby for Natal Sharks and another who managed a soccer team back in the day, the love of sport runs in Blaine’s family. It is undeniable that the youngster has inherited the talent and picked up some impressive skills along the way. He also draws inspiration and love for soccer from his dad. “My dad used to play soccer when he was younger and he was very good. He often tells me about his soccer career and I look up to him because I want to be like him.”
He also excels in other sports and is his school’s captain for cricket and athletics as well as vice-captain for swimming. He has represented Durban South for both soccer and cricket. He also made the national team for athletics when he was just 10-years-old. The 100m sprint is his speciality.
While most sports have not fully resumed due to Covid-19, the 13-year-old has been keeping fit by doing his athletics training with Clyde Kinloch’s Squad (CKS) at Port Natal as well as 5km jogs as part of his personal training.
“Lockdown has affected me in a good and bad way. In terms of sports it’s been quite sad because I’d like to see my soccer friends again and get back to the game. In terms of my education, the break was a bit nice at first, but the catching up that we need to do have come with a lot of pressure academically,” said the dedicated and self-motivated learner, who has already secured numerous scholarships from three different high schools.
He hopes to be a neurosurgeon when he grows up as he is intrigued by the study of the human brain and loves to help others.
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The Grade 7 learner is a multi-talented teen and has received numerous awards for his sports achievements and academic results. His parents are his biggest supporters in all that he does and have both expressed their pride in his stellar performance on the field and in the classroom. “We are extremely proud of his achievements. He pushes himself to the maximum. He always strives for excellence and it shows in his results,” said his mother, Joanne.
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