With a name like Nick Knoll and movie-star looks to match, one could easily mistake him for an up-and-coming Hollywood actor.
Instead, the talented 16-year-old delivered the performance of a leading man on the football field as Durbanville FC booked their place in SAFA Cape Town’s Third Division after they comfortably dispatched Only the Brave by 3-0 at the Greens in Manenberg on Sunday.
Knoll emerged as one of the standout performers during the playoff campaign, earning rave reviews and becoming the talk of the town.
The promising youngster lived up to the hype in the semi-final against Only the Brave when he produced a moment of magic. Latching onto a loose ball outside the box, Knoll unleashed a superb volley that found the back of the net and set Durbanville on course for a famous promotion-winning victory.
Speaking to No Bones with Jones, Knoll admitted that nerves were running high before kick-off.
“If I’m honest, I was very nervous before the game because everyone was doubting us, so we came in as the underdogs,” said Knoll. “But we showed them that we’re not easy to beat.”
Despite his match-winning heroics, the rising star was quick to acknowledge those who helped him along the way.
“I’m very blessed to have my family in my life and I thank God for everything,” he explained. “I was very young when I first came to watch the first team. I left when I was Under-9 and came back to play Under-16 again. I’m grateful for everything.”
Having played a starring role in Durbanville’s promotion success, Knoll’s stock continues to rise.
And while the celebrations may still be ongoing, it’s understood that several rival clubs have already come knocking as they look to lure one of local football’s hottest young prospects away from Durbanville.
