Name: Robinho van Wyk
Position: Winger
Age: 16
School: Eldorado Secondary School
Team: Kaizen Football Academy
We sat down with rising football star Robinho Van Wyk, who plays for Kaizen Football Academy as a winger who sees himself as a future IT technician.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m a learner at Eldorado Secondary School and pretty much an introverted type of person who does not mingle with a lot of people. I know a lot of people but I am not friends with everyone.
What do you like about playing soccer?
It teaches me discipline, hard work and handling pressure on the field. I was also named after a famous Brazilian footballer Robinho, so soccer defines me in all aspects.
Why do you like playing as a winger?
I can make use of my abilities better and express myself, and I believe I have the same playing style as Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays as a forward and captains both the Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
How did you feel when you were selected to play for the National team?
It was an overwhelming experience because representing your country comes with a lot of pressure, so I had to work tooth and nail to make myself proud and also the country. The first time I got called up, I had an ankle injury and I could not make it into the squad. The second time, the guys were in camp and needed some players to add, as some were injured. I got the call-up as a backup player.
How has your performance been so far in the national team at the Cosafa U/17 tournament?
I am impressed with my performance so far; I got the man of the match award on my debut for my country against Malawi – but unfortunately, we lost the match 2-1. It was my first time playing outside of the country.
Describe to us that feeling of playing outside of the country for the first time.
It is not the same, compared to playing at home; the crowd was loud and I could not hear my teammates on the field. We had to scream at one another. I was very nervous, as it was my first international game (COSAFA tournament); the setup is different there and more professional.
Do you want to play professional football when you are done with high school?
Oh yes; I have this God-given talent but I also have to work hard to achieve it because I am passionate about soccer. But I also have to concentrate on my books because I could get an injury that can derail for soccer career. I want to become an IT technician on the side if my soccer dream does not work out.
When did you join Kaizen Football Academy?
This is my seventh year. I started at KFA in 2016 ,and it is the only team I have played for. Coach James Britz welcomed me with open arms when I trained with them once. I started as a midfielder at the time; he saw my abilities and changed me to be a winger.
Did anyone in your family do any sort of sports before you?
My father was a soccer player in his days, and my mother was an athlete, who ran marathons. My brother was a professional athlete. He also represented the country in Jamaica and the United States. My brother pushes me a lot and supports me in my schoolwork and soccer.
What is your dream team to play for?
That would be Manchester City. I have been a big fan of the club since I was young. I like the way they play because they have my style of playing – just like we do at KFA. – slunyangwe@nepc.com.na