Some might say Giovanni Philander is one of the lucky ones after he got a second bite at the cherry – another pro contract, but this time with Chippa United.
But hey, in life one must make one’s own luck – just as Gio did when he officially put pen to paper to kickstart his professional career with the Chilli Boyz.
Truth be told, this is all Philander’s doing with the assistance of his former FN Rangers club under the guidance of former pro players in head coach Arreshaat Daniels and his righthand man Shaun Oliver.
No one can argue that the Western Cape Motsepe League champion afforded Philander the platform and opportunity for him to shine under the watchful eye of Daniels and Oliver – and Gio duly obliged
The broader football public is also too well aware that his move to the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns post-matric did not pan out accordingly when he signed pro as a 19-year-old in 2019.
Philander, who is obviously ecstatic with the latest developments and new venture, exudes signs of maturity and confidence that indicate he is sure to grab this opportunity with both hands this time around.
The 24-year-old attacker opened up for the first time why he struggled to samba with the Brazilians back then.
“Personally, for me, it is not that it didn’t work out, I just feel like at the time I was very immature, man,” Philander told No Bones with Jones.
“And going to a club like that is a very big club. I had to leave everything behind and it was too big of an adjustment as I had to leave my family behind. I was going to be there on my own, you know, and it was difficult for me.
“I went there with a lot of aspirations and dreams you know… Sometimes you learn a lesson. You fall off … cause in your mind you think you’re going to make it – and it’s good to think like that. But sometimes I feel like it was too big of a move so early for me, you know.“
With PSL giants like Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United also interested, Philander was wary that history should not repeat itself.
“It would have been easier for me now to make the same mistake and move to a very big club again,” Philander further explained.
“And then the same thing happens you don’t play and you know what I mean? But it also helped me to make the decision (easier) I made now,” Philander concluded.
Photo supplied by Conray Swail
