Following the current footstep of Ben Davis and Irfan Fandi, another local young boy, 17-year-old Joshua de Souza will be heading to Belgium in November in attempt to realize a European football dream. However, this young striker, who will be turning 18 in October, will be doing it differently – he pays for the entire trip himself.
The current Hougang United U-19 player has secured a 10 days training stint with Belgium Third Division’s Vigor Wuitens Hamme and another lower Division club KVK Robur. Joshua will train 4 times with the Third Division team and the remaining days will be with the lower division team.
The training stint with Vigor is made possible by one of his family’s close friends. And a deal to sign the young striker is possible if he managed to impress Vigor’s head coach Amin Pecorrella.
“I am aware that this is a very rare opportunity which has been presented to me and I really want to grab it well. Regardless if I will be signed, I know for sure this training stint will benefit my football development,” said Joshua.
The former Saint Gabriel & ITE Central striker was invited to the Young Lions’ trial early this season but a permanent move did not materialize. Despite the rejection, Joshua remains hopeful and continues to balance football training with his daily internship at Pasir Ris Sports Centre. The 1.82m tall striker is also due for enlistment next year but he is not particularly worried about that.
“I am taking things one step at a time. I am a Singaporean and I know that I will have to serve the nation. In fact, I am hoping that I can be enlisted as early as possible so that I can concentrate to work towards my football dream, “ commented Joshua.
He also added, “Honestly, I am not expecting too much from this overseas training stint but I really appreciate the support from my parent and Hougang United. I will do my best to enjoy and learn as much as I can. And I hope to make everyone proud.”
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