For Abdul- Khalid Alexander (13), soccer is more than just a sport he enjoys — it has taught him valuable life skills that he applies to both his personal life and academics.
The Kensington teen recently flew the South African flag high when he joined a group of aspiring soccer players on an educational cultural sports tour to Sweden.
The trip was made possible by Life Zone Soccer International (LSI), a Factreton based non-profit organisation (NPO) established to transform the lives of dozens of children from disadvantaged backgrounds through the sport and life skills.
The Sunderland Primary School learner says getting on a plane for the first time and traveling abroad was an unbelievable experience.
“It was my first time on the plane. It was an amazing experience. The people were kind and friendly.”
The teen says his love for the game was piqued at the tender age of four.
“My uncles used to play soccer with me when I was younger. I joined a soccer club at age six. Every time I go onto the field it brings me happiness and peace. It is amazing to score goals. I love soccer.”
The attacking midfielder says he scored 26 goals during their tour to Sweden.
“We played two tournaments. As a team we won first place in the Piteå Summer Games tournament and second place in the Storsjöcupen international youth tournament. In six of the games I scored a hat-trick.”
Alexander has big dream and hopes to play for Bafana Bafana and Liverpool one day.
However, he knows this will not be possible without hard work and determination.
“Anything is possible if you work hard. Soccer has taught me that if you don’t work hard you won’t achieve.
Encouraging young people Alexander says: “Work hard and stay in school. Listen to your parents.”
He expressed his gratitude to everyone who plays a role in his life.
“Thank you to my mother and coaches at Lifezone. I appreciate them for giving me the opportunity. All this could not be possible without Allah.”
Jeremy Wyngaard, founder and director of LSI, says: “Our girls collaborated with four clubs across two tournaments and made it to the B-Finals quarter finals of Piteå Summer Games and the Last 16 of Storsjöcupen. Before the tournaments the boys and girls also enjoyed a fantastic four-day life-skills adventure camp in Sävar near Umeå.”
Proud mother Karmelah said she always encourages her two sons to pursue their dreams..
“I am extremely proud of him. I know that he works hard. I make sure to remind him to excel in his academics as well. And he has been doing that well in his academics too.”
She said she knew her son was talented from the age of four years.
“I saw how skilled he was. Soccer runs in the family.”
Karmelah emphasised the importance of parental support for children.
“We live in a society where we are faced with so much negativity. I encourage parents to try and support their children.”
Shafiek Adjiet, Deputy Principal at Sunderland Primary School, says as a school’s motto is to strive to achieve, they always encourage learners to live by this principle.
“We want our learners to excel, and if that means through soccer then so be it. We always encourage learners and tell them if you do something do it to the best of your ability.”
The teacher says the teen has a promising future ahead.
“His whole family is talented and most of them play soccer. He’s got the whole world in front of him. We love seeing children get international exposure.”
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