SA football star Ikenna Tladi (9) signs with top Italian club

947’s Robert Marawa speaks with young footballer, Ikenna Tladi.

Listen below:

The nine-year-old will be living out his football dreams in Europe after signing a seven-year deal with top Italian club, AS Roma’s Academy.

The talented young player comes from the Tshiama Soccer Academy and Old Eds Football Club.  

He recently returned from a signing trip to Italy.  

RELATED: Tshiama Soccer Academy celebrates signing of 9-year-old player to major Italian club

The plan was always football for the Tladi family, even from a very young age. 

“When he sees me with the ball, I see that he has passion… When he could walk, we would go to the grounds… At a tender age, just try to teach them how to manipulate the ball… the rest will come.” 

– Valentine Tladi, Father 

“We are proud of him, as a nation, as a coach, as a family and we are fully behind him.” 

– Carel Tshiama Mambe, Coach – Tshiama Football Academy 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.