Talent grooming: 12-year-old Gisa on his love for soccer

Lucky Gisa’s mother says it became evident that he had a thing for football when he was nine months old. She says because he loved to play with a soccer ball, he was able to walk much earlier for his age. The P.6 pupil of Kigali Parents School also remembers that as a kid, each time he held a TV remote, he would tune in to a football channel. When Gisa started school, he longed to be part of the football team, a dream he has since achieved. During holidays and over the weekends, the young star joins his team called Shinning Football Team at Amahoro stadium where he trains with his fellow children. His parents pay a fee of Rwf3,000 per month for this training. “Although my parents are always worried of the injuries that I could encounter while playing soccer, I assure them that I am careful. I am grateful for their support,” he says. Gisa’s prayer is to go places showcasing his talent and winning trophies as a soccer maestro. He says he loves soccer because it is a way of exercising, one can get scholarship opportunities if they excel on the pitch. Gisa’s favourite international football stars are Yannick Mukunzi from Rayon Sport team and Lionel Messi of Barcelona. His advice to fellow children interested in football is to start practicing now and stop just thinking about it without trying. “Everyone is talented in their own way. Know what you are talented in and use that chance to develop it. However, at times you need someone who believes in you to keep you motivated; it can be your teacher, parent or friend,” he notes.

Children

Talent grooming: 12-year-old Gisa on his love for soccer