Rainbowline is one step closer to her soccer dream

AN ASPIRING football star’s dreams of studying further after school and playing professional football overseas are closer to realisation as she scored a place in the SA Football Association (Safa) trials.

Rainbowline “Ntombi” Firestone, 13, plays for the Eagles Spur FC’s under-13 boys' team and, earlier this month, was named as the South Peninsula Football Association’s player of the year. She is included in the under15 Safa trials.

“I am happy with my progress. The award was so humbling. At least the dream that I had when I started with soccer is now becoming a reality. I work hard, and my friends don't understand it. I don't spend a lot of time with them in the street. When I come from school, I do my chores, then go to the training, and I like it that way.

“I want to travel the world, so if I study hard to enrol for tourism and excel in soccer, I can easily live my dream, and no one will believe it.

“Soccer calms me down, and playing with the boys is more fun than the girls. I like challenges, and girls don't give me that. But it's different at the Safa trials. Everyone then is the best. I pray every day that I make it to the squad,” said the Capricorn Primary School learner.

She’s in Grade 7 and juggles her studies with four training sessions a week during the soccer season. She attributed her achievement to her coaches, mom and teammates.

Coach Shireen Blankenberg described her as a talented and dedicated girl. “You don't have to repeat yourself when talking to her. She's a fast learner and has got a unique dribbling skill. I believe her attitude can take her far,” she said.

Rainbowline’s mother, Amanda Sitofile, said she was impressed by her achievements and thankful to the coaches for supporting her

daughter.

Supplied RAINBOWLINE Firestone, 13, from Capricorn Primary, was named the South Peninsula Football Association’s player of the year. |