Aamjimbos are safe and sound in Santiago, Chile ahead of the 2015 FIFA u17 World Cup. The team arrived in early mornings of Tuesday and will train later today in preparation for their international friendly match against Chile, tomorrow 7 October 2015.
Aamjimbos are safe and sound in Santiago, Chile ahead of the 2015 FIFA u17 World Cup. The team arrived in early mornings of Tuesday and will train later today in preparation for their international friendly match against Chile, tomorrow 7 October 2015.
SAFA Media took some time out to speak to Reeve Frosler, who has been part of the u17 fold since the reign of coach Molefi Ntseki.
NM: Reeve, I believe you have a good story to tell. You have been part of this team from the very beginning, last year April, take us through the journey and reaching the World Cup stage?
RF: We got together in April 2014 and it was a new experience for us because we had never been in such an environment. I was very excited and anxious about what playing for the national team was all about; and as time went by I became more familiar with the set up; which made it easier to communicate with fellow teammates who I now regard as family. When we got together again in June 2014; that’s when we started preparing for the qualifiers for the 2015 AYC and over a year later this is where we are.
NM: You are an excellent right back, what areas of your game have grown since you joined the national team?
RF: Actually, when I first joined the national team I was selected as a midfielder but Coach Ntseki converted me in the 4 Nations Tournament we played in Namibia. It was a bit difficult for me at first, but I got used to having to play more than one position to make me a better player. Being moved to right back meant that I needed to improve my understanding of the position, improve my understanding of runs and to eliminate wingers.
NM: You are currently a matric student, did you choose to come play the World Cup instead of writing your final exams or is there an arrangement that has been made with your school?
RF: If I could I would do both at once, but life does not work that way, because both are important aspects of my life. The arrangement made between my school and the Association is that I play in the World Cup and then write my final matric exams in May or June 2016, which I believe is a win- win for me.
NM: Let’s go back to Niger, earlier this year, which match stood out for you and why?
RF: Definitely the match against Cameroon; which was our last group match. That game was a must win for us to secure a spot in the World Cup; so we pulled together as a team and were 3-1 victors on the day.
NM: Today marks 11 days before the u17 FIFA World Cup starts, what are you looking forward to during the World Cup and what are some of your wishes post the world showpiece?
RF: Participating in such an event for the first time is something to look forward to in its own right. We played against Chile and Brazil already in friendly matches so the tone for the world cup has already been set. Post World Cup I will obviously concentrate on preparing for my matric exams, but I also hope to impress so much that there is international interest in me; and who knows I could end up playing in Europe next year.
NM: Name 2 footballers who have inspired your style of play or those that you look up too and why?
RF: Xavi Alonso is one of the players I look up to because of how versatile he is and how simple he plays, but; always looking for the forward ball leading to a goal. Dani Alves is another player I look up to, he is always pushing up the field looking to help his team in attack, but he also tracks back well to support his team and help in defense.
NM: Reeve, on behalf of the South Africa Football Association and all football lovers I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your teammates all the best at the world show piece.
RF: Thank you very much and I would just to thank very one who is supporting the team.