Since the age of 11, Valintino Mei has had a burning passion to become an excellent soccer player one day. Inspired by Portuguese professional footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Valintino knows he has what it takes to become just as great.
“It all started when I was still very little. I was always a very fast runner, and I love running. I used to run everywhere, then I started running in school. I always came first, in fact, just last week I came first in an 800m race. I’m really fast, ma’am,” the 13-year-old proudly said.
Although there is no formal soccer team in his school, Mei is not about to let anything deter him from his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. “I must stay fit all the time, so I wake up every morning at 05:00 and train before school, then I train again or just play soccer in my neighbourhood after doing all my homework after school. I like being active outside; it’s where I feel the most free,” he said.
After Mei’s mother, Marie Beyleveldt died five years ago from a spider bite, his grandmother, Susan Lamb has been looking after him and his two younger siblings.
“His mother was already so proud of him, and I know she would be even more proud now,” she added.
Another group of people who can’t contain their excitement for Mei’s future are his friends. “They always tell me they can’t wait to see how my future turns out. I think they see the love I have for soccer. They also have their own dreams and I just want us all to achieve them,” Mei concluded.
Up next for the youngster is high school, and he said although big school is a huge step, he plans to stay exactly the same, and continue working hard to become the best soccer player.
