Despite growing up amid skollies and gang shootings, this Factreton boy is rising above his circumstances and is appealing for help in making his dream of participating in not one, but TWO, international soccer tournaments, come true.
Givanne Nathan, 13, who started playing soccer at the age of five, has been selected to play in tournaments in England and Italy, where he hopes to catch the attention of scouts.
The Grade 9 pupil of Goodwood College says: “I started playing when I was five. My daddy [Rowen Martin] used to watch soccer with me and he took me to Norway Park Soccer Club where I joined and played as a midfielder.
“After four years, I joined First National Rangers where I am still a midfielder. Soccer helped me stay focused and I love it.
“My daddy helps me with my training and motivates me and my brother Loronzo, 6, to stay motivated and not get into bad things.”
Proud mom, Lucinda Nathan, 38, says last year they were excited to hear that after completing trial matches, Givanne had been selected to compete in the Manchester Cup, an international youth tournament.
SCOUT: Givanne headed for UK, Italy tourneys. Photo: MONIQUE DUVAL
“They told us it would be over R30k, so because we don’t have that kind of money we started fundraising.
“I started selling cooldrinks at the clothing factory where I work and did a raffle.
“We raised R13k so far for the Manchester Cup in April.
“Then, because he plays soccer at school also, he got selected for the Isimemo Sasekapa Soccer Tour in Italy in June where the boys will play with the hope of being scouted.
“He will also need just over R30k for that one.”
Dad Rowen, 41, adds: “It’s a lot of work to juggle their training and family life, but I do my best.
TRAINING TIME: Givanne Nathan, 13, lives for soccer. Photo: MONIQUE DUVAL
“It is hard raising boys in a place like this because the gangsters prey on young boys. So we keep them focused on soccer and off the streets.”
Givanne says his favourite soccer player is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
“Salah is one of the top players and he is my hero. He is disciplined and I want to be like him, work hard and give my family a better life.”
If you would like to assist, call Rowen on 084 966 6549.
monique.duval@inl.co.za