Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Elijah’s dreams are coming true
ELIJAH TROUT wants to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool hero Roberto Firmino. Elijah, 13, was only 5 years old when he started playing soccer. Now, he is about to fulfil a dream.
The Grade 7 pupil was recently selected by South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa) to represent his school and the Department of Education’s Central District in the under-14 category.
The soccer prodigy was invited to attend this year’s TTD Dubai Cup and Manchester Cup.
Elijah said his father kept him motivated about soccer, but his drive for the sport came from his love of the game.
“I am very fond of soccer and that is why I am a highly motivated player because it comes from within,” said the wunderkind.
Elijah’s nomination to participate in the Sasfa-CPT District Trials was submitted by his school. He said there were 266 other schools and pupils. For each age group three teams were chosen.
“I feel so happy to have made the first-division team for my age category,” he said.
Elijah’s talents include being able to play as a striker, but also drop deep into midfield to break up opposition attacks and link play from the midfield, just like his hero Firmino.
“This is the model on which I build. Linking play from the midfield and joining the game forward.”
The Pinelands Primary School pupil said one of his dreams was to become an international player in the UK or Spanish leagues.
The boy from Mitchells Plain enjoys playing games and soccer with his brother and friends.
Elijah’s mother, Marion Trout, said her son had always been good at soccer and she saw him as her right-hand man at home.
“Even as a child, Elijah’s understanding of soccer was always something that I found fascinating. He would have serious conversations with the neighbours.”
Elijah has to raise R48 000 to take part in the tournament, which begins on April 1 next year.
Marion said she wanted to thank to his school for always supporting her son even when he didn’t have sport equipment.
“I thank the school’s good foundation in sport and for always pushing Elijah forward,” said Marion.
She said the chance to participate in the upcoming tournaments was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and she knew he could do anything he put his mind to.
“I am very proud of him. I have seen Elijah play and I think at his age he’s definitely a player to be reckoned with.”
For more information, contact Marion on 073 077 8271. To donate, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/elijah-trout