Jared van der Burg is following in his father’s footsteps ashe looks to break into the professional ranks in football.
Jared van der Burg, a promising left-back from Athlone, believes he is on the verge of making his PSL debut following two impressive friendlies for Cape Town City’s senior side last month.
Van der Burg, 20, was scouted by City while playing for Ikapa Sporting at the Bayhill under-19 Premier Cup four years ago.
He has also played for Jamestown United, Old Mutual and Stellenbosch FC.
He captained City’s SAB Castle League side two seasons ago and received his Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC) call-up last season.
A month ago, he made his senior debut when he helped City ease past Cape Umoya 3-0 before they crushed Rygersdal Football Club 11-0 at home.
The son of former Cape Town Spurs striker, George van der Burg, he says football is in his genes and he started kicking the ball around at the age of 6.
“Football is life,” says Van der Burg, and there isn’t a day that goes by where he is not playing or watching soccer.
Van der Burg said last year was challenging as he had to balance training commitments with completing Grade 12 at Windsor High School, however, he says his coaches were understanding and he passed.
He says he is honoured and humbled to be training with Cape Town City.
“I know of friends and other boys who would also love to play for such a big club,” he says.
Van der Burg, who attended Rondebosch East Primary, said those who know him very well know that he started out as a striker. When he was scouted by Old Mutual, during trials, the coach told him to play at left-back for a few minutes, the rest was history.
His short-term goal is to make his debut in the PSL.
“Everyone dreams of playing in Europe but realistically I would like to join one of the bigger clubs in the PSL,” he says.
Van der Burg hopes success in the PSL side will also help him get a call-up to the national team.
“I'm sure that's every footballer’s dream, to represent their country.”
Van der Burg said giving up is not an option, especially for a footballer coming from Athlone and playing for Cape Town City, for many he is like a brother and role model.