Cape Town - The family of 16-year-old Amilcar Moke of Goodwood, who has scored an opportunity to showcase his football skills in Madrid, Spain, are looking to raise funds for their boy’s flights, accommodation, soccer kit and other expenses.
Moke is the youngest of the 21 soccer players recently scouted at a trial by the BT Football Recruitment Agency to tour with the academy to Spain in April. He will spend two weeks with five other teams from around the world.
His mother, Bianca Schutter, said in September she received a call from a family member who advised her about a soccer recruitment agency taking youngsters to Spain for trials.
She said Amilcar was a respected and well known player among his peers and the football fraternity in the area. She said the family were hoping to raise R37 500
The Grade 10 learner from President High School, who plays leftwing and attacking midfielder, said the opportunity meant a lot to him, especially if he succeeded.
“I don’t really focus on anything else much than football. I have been playing football for some time and it’s the only thing I feel keeps me happy and whole in my life. I enjoy and take football everywhere with me.
“Some of my family members also had the opportunity to go play overseas but were not able to play professionally and this would enable me to set an example for a lot of kids in my family,” he said.
Moke said he had a great support system in his uncle, soccer club and school, who he said were proud of him.
Schutter said the family had lined up several fund-raising events, starting with “Night of Music and Dance” on Friday at Nikita’s in Bellville.
“As a single parent, you sacrifice a lot for yourself and your children. For me, his success would mean everything. I am very proud of Amilcar for even getting to this point.
“In his head, he is going to get us out of where we are now. We suffer together and we celebrate together, we are a unit,” she said.