Cape Town’s new ‘Wunderkind’ Faakhir Khan’s rise to prominence – at such a tender age – is certainly no coincidence.
The 10-year-old product from Beacon City FC in Mitchells Plain is the latest talent to be scooped up by Stellenbosch’s Youth Academy when he was scouted at the recent Spar Mookrey Group’s Rygate LFA Cubs Festival that took place at Johnson Road, Rylands.
A video clip that a family friend Neil Abrahams posted on social media also expedited Faakhir’s capture by Stellies.
Faakhir, who came through the under-6 and under-8 ranks at the Mitchells Plain-based club, made waves this season when he won the top-goalscorer award and was voted the club’s player of the year in his division.
The little wonder is also aiming to follow in the footsteps of a family friend Mirsab Adams who was also scouted by the Academy a while back. That is where Faakhir met the Cape Soccer Legend, Boebie Solomons, when he accompanied Adams to the Academy.
According to Solomons, Faakhir confidently promised the Safa Cape Town Technical Director that it would only be a matter of time before he joined the Academy.
Solomons vividly recalls the conversation he had with the Grade 4 learner from Alpine Primary, a year ago when their paths initially crossed.
“Firstly, I am not surprised that he is here at the Academy now,” Solomons told No Bones with Jones. “His words to me were ‘Coach, you will see, one day I will be here at the Academy and play for Stellies’,” said Solomons.
“And he delivered on that promise and in such a short space of time. To me it is very pleasing to see someone so young – and forget about his talent for a minute – is mentally strong and has the presence of mind to be able to stick to his promise, you know.
“It says a lot about his maturity for his age. It also tells me that he is driven and a go-getter and this is very admirable,” Solomons added.
His coach at Beacon City, Shakier Khan, who also happens to be his uncle, informed our website that it is not surprising at all that Faakier has delivered on his promise.
“He is a very confident boy. On the other hand, he is also aware of how good he is on the field. There is just something special about him. I think he will be any coach’s dream to work with,” he said.
Shakier was certainly the inspiration and influence for the young striker’s exposure and love for the beautiful game. He described his young nephew as a rare talent – an intelligent and very skillful player who knows exactly what to do with the ball at his feet.
“I took Faakhir to the field when he was only three years old,” said Shakier.
“When he turned four, he actively started playing and fell in love with soccer. I just hope that he never loses his love and appetite for the game,” Shakier concluded.
The club’s chairman added that Faakhir is truly an ambassador for the club.
“For someone so young, Faakhir is definitely an example as he is putting our name on the map and that is very satisfying,” Ebrahim Vardien pointed out.
“I wish him all of the best and have no doubt that he will make a success of his new journey,” Vardien concluded.
