’98’ is set to soar
Richards Bay soccer player catches international scout's eye
IT took only five minutes on the pitch for local teenager ’98’ to impress soccer icon Paulo Cardoso.
The Portuguese talent scout who discovered superstars Christiano Renaldo and Nani was in Richards Bay over the weekend looking for potential world class players in the making.
He was bowled over when he saw the 15-year-old Bay boy in action and wasted no time in speaking with the boy’s family on his career prospects.
Scouts nicknamed him ’98’, after the year in which he was born, with his full name and details to be released later this year.
‘I believe ’98’ is incredibly talented and with the right development can play abroad,’ said Cardoso.
‘If I took him overseas now, he would be signed, and with the right development process, any international side will grab him.
‘The young and talented centre back has mad skills and ball sense and he reads the game so easily.’
If selected, ’98’ could receive a scholarship for private schooling, attend the Hoy Park Football Academy and have a world of endless possibilities.
Hoy Park made communication with his parents who have high hopes of him making the top 25 for the prestigious KZN soccer squad that will compete in the International Soccer Tournament in Durban from 31 July to 9 August.
