The Reds to trial Michael, 11
Chance of future Liverpool stardom for talented boy
WHEN former Liverpool FC star player John Barnes saw Michael Schultz in action on the football pitch for the first time, he was blown away by the talent the Joburg youngster possessed.
The skill and composure the 11year-old showed with the ball was enough to convince the Reds’ legend to invite Michael to train with Liverpool’s academy in the UK.
Tomorrow, the Grade 5 pupil from Kenton Primary in Brackenhurst will jet off with his family to attend training with Liverpool’s under-12 club academy.
Michael, who currently plays his football for Black Aces under-13s, will train for a week before heading back home. Should Michael impress during his training, he could be offered a permanent place at the clubs academy.
He will work with another former LFC legend, Robbie Fowler, during his trial next week. Bruce Grobbelaar and Sean Dundee are the only two South Africans to have played for Liverpool, and Michael is hoping that he too could follow in their footsteps by donning the red shirt one day.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity, and I’m ready to show the coaches what I am all about,” Michael told the Saturday Star this week.
It will be the second time the 11-year-old visits Liverpool.
Last year, the youngster was invited to watch the First Team take on Manchester City at Anfield and was also afforded the opportunity of taking part in a training session at the club’s academy.
During his visit last year, Michael was afforded the opportunity of meeting Liverpool players such as Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson, as well as Liverpool legends Kenny Dalglish and John Aldridge.
He is hoping he will bump into a player or two this time round
“It was a really awesome experience meeting some of their greats,” said Michael, who plays midfield for his team.
“All my teammates at Black Aces are jealous of the opportunity I am getting and they have all asked me to try and get them Liverpool shirts signed by the players.”
While Michael is a Liverpool fan, he admits his favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo, and that he tries to model his game around the great Portuguese attacker.
“For me, Ronaldo is the perfect player and I hope one day I can be as good as him.”
As for Liverpool players, Michael admires Brazilian attacker Philippe Coutinho and for mer Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
“My friends at school all tell me I am going to be the new Steven Gerrard.
“I don’t know if I will play for Liverpool one day, but if I do hope I can be as good as he was.”
Michael’s mum Leonie is her son’s biggest fan. She is thrilled by the opportunity he has been given and believes he will thrive at his training session with Liverpool next week.
“I’m really proud of my son,” said Leonie.
“He loves his football so much and is dedicated to the sport so I am thrilled for him.”
Leonie said her son is obsessed with football.
“He always has a football next to him. When I wake him up, he taps his soccer ball all the way to the bathroom to brush his teeth!
“He also takes his soccer ball everywhere he goes.
“He is not a kid who loves watching TV, he would much rather be outside kicking a ball with his little brother.”
Leonie said should the opportunity arise for Michael to move to Liverpool, the family would move with him in a heartbeat.
“Funny thing is, we have thought about it, and if Michael ever had the opportunity of playing for Liverpool we would join him without thinking.
“I think the training session will be great for his future profile. And I have no doubt he will be giving his all to impress the coaches.”