Rising stars join TuksSport in SA

Namibian twin footballers Adin and Arin Claassen moved to South Africa last month to attend grade 10 and pursue their football careers at TuksSport High School in Pretoria.

The 15-year-old siblings joined the renowned TuksSport Football Academy following their impressive performance during the week-long football trials.

Their father, Angus Claassen, described the selection process as rigorous and challenging.

“Despite the tough trials, the boys persevered and were both accepted into the school and the academy. They dream of becoming professional footballers one day.”

READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES

The Claassen twins who play forward (Adin) and midfield (Arin) positions, were overjoyed by the news of having made the selection process.

Adin said he was still in disbelief, yet so happy as the opportunity would bring him closer to his dream of going pro with football.

Arin was flush with excitement and nervousness. “It is a great opportunity, but the expectations are high,” said Arin.

Regarding their preparedness for TuksSport, the youngsters are ready to make the best of the opportunity while exercising their football prowess.

Adin believes the opportunity allows for a healthy balance between school and football, as they get to cut down on unnecessary distractions like screen time and chats.

“I will be using my spare time in class to do homework to not get overwhelmed with the schedule. This will allow me to rest after school before training and attend the study session in the evening.”

Arin also plans to do his homework in class, rest, train and be ready for evening study.

He believes being at TuksSport is a privilege, as it allows him to have his cake and eat it too. “I plan to refrain from procrastination and manage my time well so I can be successful in both school and football.”

FOOTBALL BACKGROUND

Adin and Arin started playing football at the relatively young age of seven at Falcons Football Academy under coach Andre Benjamin in 2015.

They moved on two years later for Deutscher Turn-Und Sportverein (DTS), where their passion for the game took form. Under the guidance of coaches TK, Roy, Jarrod, Ivan and Mabasa they won numerous local tournaments and awards, including the under-12 Hopsol Youth Soccer League in 2020.

After five good years at DTS, 2023 saw the Claassen twins move to Athletic Football Academy (ACFA), where coach Ricky Averia and his coaching staff took them under his wing.

In March last year, they were selected for the U17 Namibian top-30 squad trials. October saw ACFA beat TuksSport 1-0 in the Kapstadt Cup, Cape Town, to reach the quarter-finals.

Asked about individuals who have played instrumental roles in their football development, the siblings acknowledged coaches Roy, Jarrod, Andre, Mabasa and Ivan, who have motivated them to be the best versions of themselves, to never give up and to always believe in their abilities.

Adin underscored his former teammate and good friend Vygotsky “Ski” Nasima from ACFA, who he names as a mentor. Arin also acknowledged his former ACFA teammate, Curtis Kriel, whose technique on the ball he admitted to be an admirer of.

About playing football together, the twins appreciate the unique bond they share both on and off the field, emphasising utmost trust. “We know exactly how the other one thinks!”