With the fourth edition of the African Schools Championships set to take place in Namibia between 9 and 12 September, there will be local talent on the field.
A learner from Curro Bloemfontein, Ethan Louw, has been selected as part of the U15 South African Football Association (SAFA) team to take part in the prestigious international competition and is also the only player from the Free State to make the squad.
His school team coach, Sabata Masehle, told Bloemfontein Courant: “It’s a great honour for any individual to be able to represent his national team. Opportunities in football do not come very often, and the fact that he was able to go through the whole process shows that Ethan has potential to grow.”
Ethan’s mother, Luanshya, added: “From a young age he has always displayed a natural talent for soccer, but it really became evident when he was about nine years old. He joined the school soccer team in grade 3 as their goalkeeper and from there on his passion for the sport just grew.”
According to Ethan, his love for the sport was instilled in him by his father, Stephenson. “His passion for the game intrigued me as a young child,” explained Ethan. “I still remember him taking me to matches when I was three or four years old. I fell in love with the energy of the game and I knew it was something that I wanted to pursue in the future.”
The youngster has tried his hand at several positions, but has found himself in the midfield, playing in the mould of a player he admires, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. “I try to learn from watching him and incorporate some of those elements into my own game,” said Ethan.
He credits his mother as his biggest motivation, and says: “I really wish to make her proud.” Ethan also added that he is motivated by the idea of turning professional, and representing the senior national side in the future.
“We’re incredibly proud of him,” said Luanshya. “This is a big step for him, and we’re excited to see where it leads.”
“I would like to thank God for this amazing opportunity,” added Ethan. “I’m really excited to be part of such a talented group of players. It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m looking forward to working hard and contributing to the team.”
Luanshya is grateful to their entire family, as well as the coaches at Curro for the continued support that Ethan has received on his soccer journey, and says: “You have really proven that team work makes the dream work!”
While Ethan’s ambitions are bold, he is certainly on the right track, and competing in Namibia will be a massive step in the right direction for him. His coaches and family also seem to have faith, not only in his ability, but also in his attitude and humility.
“He should continue to grow and learn as a player to be able to become the best he can be,” said coach Masehle.
“We really trust that this opportunity will open up many more doors for him in the future, but ultimately, we want him to follow his passion and succeed in everything he does,” concluded his mother.
Warren Hawkins
