Often, taking on a career as a professional football player is looked down upon because of the high risk involved with regard to contracts ending and injuries. But for a fortunate few, it’s a calling that means chasing your dreams to accomplish your passion and desires and that is the case for a young Namibian man who is making waves in Belgium, slowly climbing the ladder and excelling on the the soccer pitch.
Erich Taleni is a 25-year-old man who got the offer of a lifetime when Cercle Brugge KSV, a team in Belgium, scooped him up whilst on a scouting mission in Namibia. Erich is currently signed upa with the team on a two-year contract.
Eric chats to The YouthPaper about his childhood and rise to fame.
Growing Up
“I was born in Windhoek and grew up in Ongwediva where I spent most of my childhood days. “We were a close-knit family which compromised mainly of my mom, uncle, aunts and brothers. My family did not have much but my mother always ensured we were fed and guided us diligently,” Erich said.
“I remember watching France beat Brazil with my uncle on TV during the 1998 World Cup. I was only seven and that was when I really fell in love with soccer. I would even cry when Namibia lost any game I watched. It was hectic,” he said.
Education
It seems the sky is the limit for this young man who is thriving both in his career as a professional football player and in academia.
Erich attended primary school at Ongwediva Control Primary School and later moved on to Mweshipandeka Secondary School where his passion for soccer was developed further.
It was here that he joined a local soccer academy and never looked back.
After completing high school, Erich went on to a tertiary institution and registered with the then-Polytechnic of Namibia (now the Namibia University of Technology [NUST]) to pursue a Bachelor of Marketing degree, which he has since completed.
“Education for me has always been a priority in my life. One needs guidance and having qualifications other than skill is of fundamental importance.
Be driven and motivated, work hard towards your dreams and always remember where you are coming from and where you are headed,” Erich said.
Kicking Off His Soccer Career
Erich said he has always been passionate about soccer but never thought he would make it this far to go beyond the borders of Namibia.
“I only have the Lord to thank and my hard work, it really took a lot of work, I am really thankful for that.”
Inspiration
Erich says he draws inspiration from his mother, saying she’s a hardworking woman.
Erich is also inspired by Ronaldinho, the Brazilian soccer legend.
He grew up watching him play and that “taught me how to be myself”, he added. His friends also inspire him as well as teammates he has played with in the past.
Goals and Aspirations
“I have always wanted to be an architect and also be a successful footballer who can be called upon to represent my country.
“I want to be someone the youth can look up on, I want my name to do the talking for me.
Most importantly, I want to make my mother proud of me and my accomplishments. I lost my father at a tender age and would also like to make him proud wherever he is, Erich said.
Erich aspires to be a good example to the young children out there who are pursuing whatever they are after.
A Message to the Youth
Erich encouraged the youth to believe in God, work hard and not to listen to any negative talk about themselves.
“Never give up on the dream you have been given by God. Stay away from drugs and alcohol.
