Marlands has a young upcoming and ambitious footballer, Ricardo Susanna.<\/p>\n
Susanna (18) told the GCN that he has always been driven to succeed but his recent motivation has encouraged him to yearn for more.<\/p>
\u201cI recently received honours for soccer at my school,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Susanna said he has been working hard to receive the accolade.<\/p>
\u201cI started playing soccer at the age of nine, but to receive honours I started proving myself in 2011 when I was in Grade Eight,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the same year, among other things, I was awarded player of the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe following year, Grade Nine, I secured player of the year again and received a merit scroll for soccer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Susanna said even in his first year as a senior student at his school, Edenvale High School, he scooped accolades.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was in Grade Ten, in 2013, I was awarded half colours,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI played for Bloemfontein Celtic Academy and was scouted to play for the Luso Africa Castle League team.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, I played for the u-17 and u-20 Eastern Gauteng teams which saw me get full colours for soccer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also played for the Eastern Gauteng u-20 team which is what resulted in me receiving honours for soccer.\u201d<\/p>\n
The youngster explained that one has to go through steps to get the award.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou first get a scroll, then half colours, followed by full colours before you get honours,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had to go through all those steps and it is a proud moment for me as, although it is an honour on its own, I worked hard for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always had great passion for this sport and I am also inspired by my father, Gianfranco.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father plays for Luso Africa Football Club\u2019s veterans\u2019 side.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe, my family and friends have always supported me and I am grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n
The young Kaizer Chiefs FC and Manchester United fan said soccer has never derailed him from his school work.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always been focused on my school work, I never allow the sport to come in between me and my studies,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n
\u201cI balance the two very well; my father always told me that the two go together.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very disciplined and set time for both; I have a 73 per cent average academically.\u201d<\/p>\n
The aspiring footballer and businessman shared a few words to motivate his peers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways work hard, stay focused and balance your life,\u201d said Susanna.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe humble at all times, don\u2019t have a big head and never think you are above anyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy friends always tell me that they respect me for my humbleness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The young Marlands resident reached out to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am calling out to any company or individual to help me with a bursary or anything that will help with my studies next year,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have applied for a BCom general degree at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and I was provisionally approved.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe institution is just waiting for my final year results.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am calling out to anybody that can help me with funds to further my studies next year.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information send an email to Susanna on ricardosusanna@yahoo.com.<\/p>\n
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