The Goals of Cole

BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS

COLE SCHOEMAN’S JOURNEY led him from Gelvandale, Gqeberha to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and life as a professional football player. But the 23-year-old still describes himself as “just a basic boy who loves to play and watch sport”.

Despite spending a relatively short time at UWC, Schoeman fondly reminisces about forging friendships, experiencing a conducive learning environment and enjoying enriching experiences. “My journey at UWC wasn’t particularly long but my time there was memorable,” he says. “I made plenty of friends on campus, enjoyed the environment and had a great learning experience. The varsity is a top institution.”

SCHOEMAN PLAYED for Ajax Cape Town, Glendene United and Hout Bay United before signing a professional contract with MM Platinum of Johannesburg – better known as La Masia – who play in the Motsepe Foundation Championship previously known as the National First Division. At Ajax Cape Town, the striker worked with Dutch coach Andries Ulderink and trained with the first team. “The amount of learning I did in that space of time was the best experience,” he says.

HIS FAVOURITE MEMORIES are being called up to the senior squad post-Covid at Ajax Cape Town, winning leagues

with Glendene United and signing his second professional contract with La Masia. However, Schoeman’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He faced homesickness and injuries that tested his resolve, particularly during his time at Ajax Cape Town, where he suffered quadricep and hamstring injuries. “The main thing was coping with being away from home,” he says. “I struggled in the first few months and wasn’t enjoying my football.”

FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND YOUR DREAMS BECAUSE THEY WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.

HE PERSEVERED, however, showing resilience in the face of adversity, and at UWC he found a balance between academic pursuits and his passion for football. “It helped me to strike some kind of balance in my life. If you don’t pass at varsity, you don’t play, simple as that,” says Schoeman.

THE EMPHASIS ON ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE instilled in him a sense of discipline and an ability to prioritise. Studying for a Bachelor of Education and majoring in maths and languages, Schoeman faced academic challenges that required constant dedication.

“A UNIVERSITY LIKE UWC IS SCRIPTED TOWARDS THE STUDENT-ATHLETE. The people are very understanding. I still need to complete my third and final year but it is my mission to complete this degree,” he says. “I would say that I had good time management between varsity and my football. They were both important to me so I always made an effort to prioritise both.”

TO STUDENTS AND ATHLETES ALIKE, Schoeman says: “My advice would be to follow your heart and your dreams because they will never let you down. You can make it work. Just find a way.”