A learner at Tuscany Glen High School in Blue Downs has been elected to join the Metro East District school’s football team on a tour to Switzerland – he sees this opportunity as a chance to launch a professional career.
Zandre Hermanus says he is not going to let anyone or anything stand in his way of following his dreams. If how he persevered through hardships until now is anything to go by, he might just make it.
“I grew up in Malibu Village, the only son of my father, Andre, and mother, Zubeida. We lived with my grandmother. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the most fortunate upbringing. As a child I witnessed so much abuse (drugs, physical and mental).
“My mother and father were never married – but separated when I was in primary school. This had a huge impact on my life due to my mother relocating to Swellendam and I had to relocate with her.
“I was removed from my school, friends and family. My mother promised to enroll me at a school in Swellendam, which didn’t happen. As a result I lost two years of my fundamental schooling career. My mother continued using drugs and I decided to move back to reside with my father and grandmother. I was enrolled back into a school again and successfully completed Grade 7,” says Zandre.
Crime
Coming back from Swellendam was also not easy for Zandre as the area he lives in has a high crime rate due to drug abuse and gangsterism.
“Despite all these negative things around me, I found something positive and something I enjoy and that is playing soccer. I want to prove to the community that one can make a positive change, despite where you come from. With the right attitude, guidance, support and willingness, you can make a change.
“I am forever grateful for my grandmother who is a God-fearing woman. I believe if it wasn’t for all her prayers and support things could have been so different. As a young man I don’t want the life my parents had. So when I look back at my circumstances this is my motivation to do better,” he says.
Zandre credits his friend Rayden de Reuck, a professional footballer at Supersport United Football Club for his choice of sport. “Rayden introduced me to soccer and I fell in love with it. He is my hero and I want to become a professional like him,” he says.
.In order for Zandre to make the tour to Switzerland a reality he needs R45 000. If you want to support his dreams, call Wayne Small on 074 587 2793.
