Robinho van Wyk is a name to keep an eye on – his passion, discipline and natural talent make him a rising star in the world of football. 

Whether it is on the pitch or off it, he proves that he has the right combination of drive, skill and charisma to make his dreams of going professional a reality.  

The grade 10 pupil at Eldorado Secondary School is not just fast on the field, but also quick to score goals, and make a name for himself.

 Whether it is his lightning speed or ability to effortlessly find the back of the net, this young winger is definitely a player to watch. 

New Era caught up with Van Wyk to chat about everything – from his football journey to his quirky pre-match rituals – and of course, his secret to staying motivated.

When did you start playing football?

I kicked off my football journey at a super-young age, but it wasn’t until I was nine, back in 2016, that I officially joined my first academy, Kaizen. That’s when it all started to get real, and the passion took off.

What do you enjoy most about football?

I absolutely love the fast-paced nature of the game. One second, you’re on the attack – and the next, the whole thing could turn around. It’s that unpredictability that makes it so thrilling. There’s no time to blink, and every match feels like an adventure.

You were vice captain of the U/17 Khomas Regional team in China. What was that experience like?

Being vice captain was an awesome responsibility. My main job was to keep the energy up and motivate the team, especially since a lot of the guys were experiencing international football for the first time. I had some experience under my belt, so I tried to share that, and help everyone feel settled. We ended up finishing second in the 2024 Yangzhou China Grand Canal Cities Men’s Elite Youth Football Tournament. One thing that the tournament taught me was to work together as a team, listen to instructions from the coach, and really work hard.

The trip itself was amazing – China was so different from what I am used to. I made loads of new friends from all over, and I even learned a tonne about Chinese culture. It was a huge eye-opener, and a memory I’ll treasure forever.

Tell us about your family. How many siblings do you have? Did anyone else in your family play football?

I come from a really supportive family. I’ve got two siblings, and we’re all super-close. My dad was a footballer in his day, and my mom was an athlete, so sport is in my blood. My brother is a national sprinter, and he’s always giving me tips on what to expect when I travel for competitions. He is my motivator. Then there’s my sister, who’s a fashion designer, studying in Cape Town. She’s got her own thing going on, but she’s always there to cheer me on.

How many football competitions have you taken part in? Which ones stand out the most?

I’ve had the privilege of competing in five international tournaments, but the one that really sticks with me is the Cosafa U/17 competition in Malawi back in 2022. That’s where I really got exposure to international football. I even won Man of the Match against the host team, which was a huge personal highlight. I’ll never forget that moment.

Do you think football has changed over the years? And if so, is it for the better?

It has, 100%. Football is way more global now – and we, young players, are getting so many opportunities to show off our talents on the international stage. 

But it’s not just about skill anymore. The game has evolved into a battle of speed and strength. The modern player needs to be physically tough and lightning-fast. Talent will get you far, but being in peak physical condition is what really sets you apart now.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Before every match, I like to watch footage of my opponents to figure out what I am up against. It helps me prepare mentally. Then, I always take a moment to pray and listen to music, especially some calming tunes to relax my nerves and get me in the zone.

If you could play football anywhere in the world, without worrying about time or money, where would you play?

Real Madrid – without a doubt. I’ve always been fascinated by the Spanish style of play. It’s just so fluid and exciting. And let’s be real, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, so that’s always been a dream of mine.

What’s your secret trick for staying motivated, especially during tough matches?

Whenever I am on the field, I always treat every match like it could be my last. It’s that sense of urgency that keeps me going. I also make sure to believe in my abilities. I know what I can do, and reminding myself of that keeps me driven, no matter how challenging the game gets. – lmupetami@nepc.com.na