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Valhalla United is gearing up for their Engen Knockout Challenge preliminary match with high spirits, thanks to the recent signing of one of their standout players by Cape Town Spurs.

Defender Toufeeq Jackson from Valhalla Park put pen to paper for the Urban Warriors yesterday in a move that put him on the right path for his dream – a dream shared by  many young athletes – to ply his football trade in a professional set-up. He has been comfortable playing any position in defence, particularly as a centre-back and right-back. 

Valhalla United coach Ashley Olivier said Toufeeq previously went on assessment to Johannesburg twice but wasn’t unsuccessful. He had to learn a bit more to be successfully accepted within a structured development environment. 

“Toufeeq has been in continuous development with Ash’pirational Sports Development ( a non-profit organisation in Valhalla Park) since 2018 when he was still very young. At the time, we knew there was something special about him and that he could play and become what professional clubs need. That is a strong, clever defensive player who’s up for any challenge”. 

Coach Ash said here and there was a bit of a setback for the young man. “I’m talking about real-life football setbacks, to be honest, because that can either make you or break you. However, as the club, our supporters, and our parents, we are always well-informed about opportunities out there

“At Valhalla United and Ash’ pirational Sports, it’s all about creating a safe environment where the kids can learn, play, and enjoy football. And most importantly, develop, promote and send them in the right direction to develop holistically”.

Tomorrow, Valhalla United’s Under 18 team will lock horns with Belhar Spurs in a Northern Suburbs derby of the Engen Knockout Challenge second preliminary round at the Bellville Campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Kick-off is at 09h00.