Sekhukhune United rising star Cameron Ashby has described how former Manchester City FC duo of Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure breathed life into his football career.
Ashby, a midfielder, began his football career at the age of four with the amateur team Linhill Celtic, which is dedicated to nurturing young players in the Southern Johannesburg region. He played there until he reached the age of eight.
He later joined other amateur teams like Sporting and Alberton FC, where he continued developing his football abilities.
When he was 11 years old, he was recruited to join the development side of Mpumalanga Black Aces, a team he referred to as “a very lovely club” that holds a special place in his heart for helping him grow as a player and laying a strong foundation for his career.
At Black Aces, he had the chance to participate in international friendly matches at tournaments like Mundialito in Portugal when he was just 12 years old.
Two years later, at the age of 14, he was given the opportunity to participate in another international training camp with Manchester City’s youth team. This is where he met Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, and David Silva.
WHAT CAMERON ASHBY LEARNT FROM VINCENT KOMPANY AND YAYA TOURE
In a recent interview with FARPost, Ashby shared the guidance he received from the football legends mentioned above, which have been instrumental in helping him reach his current position in his career.
“So, I was 14 years old when I got a chance to speak with a few of the senior players at Man City. I remember speaking to Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure was there as well, and David Silva, but his English wasn’t that good for me to understand him well,” Ashby told this publication.
“But the most important thing I got from those professionals at such a high level was that you have to keep persevering. There are going to be difficult times because football is a tough journey.
“So, when you get knocked down, you have to keep your head up and keep going, praying, and believing. If you keep doing those things, then you are already halfway there, so that’s the most important aspect I took from their advice.”
The 23-year-old signed with Babina Noko in July 2024, just before the start of the Betway Premiership campaign.
He also had a stint with SAFA Gauteng ABC Motsepe League side African All Stars, which is Sekhukhune’s feeder team.
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