Bloubergstrand has discovered its own “Messi”, a 7-and-a-half-year-old female Jack Russell with unique soccer skills, a game she invented herself.
Kolletjie, as she is named, trained herself from the age of 3 to hold and balance a massive ball in the air without touching the ground. Her current record is 42 seconds.
“She started doing tricks by herself when she was 3 years old,” said owner and fur-friend Emil Beetge, who came into his life when she was a tiny 3-week-old pup. I bought her a soccer ball, but she destroyed it, and the same with the rugby ball,” he said.
Beetge then opted for a tennis ball, bigger than the usual size.
The professional kite surfer said people are amazed at Kolletjie’s talent, and at least 15 people take videos of her while performing every day.
Kolletjie got her name because of the big spot on her head,” he said. She loves swimming and fishes, and has a ton of toys at home.
More than just a pet
Kolletjie is on her way to becoming a household name after her owner uploaded videos on Facebook and TikTok. It has been shared at least 50 000 times. “We do it just for the fun of it,” Beetge said.
He said the dog’s videos receive reaction from overseas as well, and social media are buzzing with comments.
Beetge entered Kolletjie in a video competition on Kwêla on KykNet where viewers will have to vote for the winner. “I am still waiting for feedback from them.”
Kolletjie has since received 2,4 million likes on ESPN.
