Cape Town rising football sensation Cassidy Arendse could not hide her mixed feelings as she jets off to the United States this week to pursue her sporting and academic careers at Angelina College.
The Rocklands-born central defender, who played for Maties FC in the Sasol League Western Cape until recently, has penned a two-year contract with the Lufkin Texas-based College.
“I’m very happy but I also feel very nervous because it’s the first time I’ll be away from my family, and my lifestyle will change,” she commented just before leaving on Thursday. “But I’m ready and I’ll get through everything.”
Arendse, who can also play as a striker, is the second footballer from the Stellenbosch-based Maties FC to leave for the US this week. Her fellow defender Isabelle Bertossi also left on Saturday to join another institution.
A big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, Arendse caught the eyes of scouts from several US colleges and universities when she produced sterling performances when she represented Ikapa United at the Dallas Cup International Youth Football Tournament in Dallas, Texas in April. But the full scholarship offer from Angelina College was too attractive to refuse.
Arendse has been with Maties for a year and a half, having played for Vasco Da Gama prior. Having started to play football at the age of eight, she has been so good in recent years that she has represented the Cape Town regional teams at Under 15 and Under 19 divisions.
She said the support from her family, friends, fans, teammates and management has driven her to always give her best on the football pitch. “They have always been supportive of me. My parents always came to watch me and my father always talked to me after the games about what I should do to improve, and how I should play in the backline. Their support has pushed me to become a better player.”
A staunch Christian, Arendse has encouraged other youngsters not to give up on their dreams. “Never give up on your dreams and keep on training hard and it’ll make a huge difference. No matter how difficult it seems you’ll eventually see things coming right. And always pray because God is the number one player.”
Her father, Mark Arendse, was as excited. “We are a soccer and a sporting family. We are very proud of Cassidy and grateful to God for this great opportunity. We also feel she deserves it because she has been doing very well.”
Maties FC coach Elroy Smith congratulated Arendse and said the team is proud that her consistently good performance has been recognised with a move abroad. “We are proud of Cassidy’s achievements and we can only hope that she does good for herself, for her family and for women’s football. It is a stepping stone for her and she is a role model for many youngsters who aspire to play abroad.”
