Supersport United Academy Manager, Giancarlo Ballossini says that Jake is an inspiration. “He is a poster boy for the term “Hard work pays off”. You can see some of his mind blowing football skills on the Supersport United Soccer Schools Facebook Page videos. We need to thank long time sponsors Phumelela for creating the platform to let players such as Jake fully shine and realise their potential. We are looking at taking Jake to the next level due to his love for the game, his maturity and his commitment…. All I can say is watch this space….”

 At only 15 years old you’re immediately blown away by Jake Aresti’s good manners, solid grounding and passion – and that’s before you’ve learnt that he’s surely set for soccer stardom. Jake is still beaming with the recent news of making it through to round two trials at Holland PEC Zwolle in March – a three month period in which he knows there’s plenty to prepare for. “I am schooled at the British International College – so will take my school work with me when I go. I’m an attacking midfielder (number 10) after several years serving as a striker. Soccer is my life and I am doing all that I can to be the best that I can and to fulfil my potential. On weekdays I train at a 5-a-side court at 5h30 for an hour, then I gym for another hour before school. I then train for 2 hours with the Supersport United Academy sponsored by Phumelela.”

Listing English as his favourite subject, Jake says he supports Supersport United locally (most especially the MDC side and the MDC League) and Liverpool in the BPL.

“I’d say that Ronaldinho is my favourite player – he has such talent and is beautiful to watch in action. When asked what I love most about football I tell people that I love being with the ball – just me and the ball so that I can express myself fully.