Wendelle Martin was possibly the missing link in the NWU defense during the first game of the Varsity Football tournament when NWU lost 6-2 against the University of Johannesburg.
Martin did not play in that particular game, but has played in the past four games as a left back and since his inclusion in the starting line-up he has bolstered the NWU defense through a string of sterling performances.
This 20-year-old from Mondeor, Southern Johannesburg is studying first year Sports Science with North-West University. He started playing soccer from a young age, playing for teams like Sabelo Superstars in Soweto, Mamelodi Sundowns Juniors and Bidvest Wits University Reserve side.
Apart from soccer, tennis is his other favorite sport, with Roger Federer his favourite player. The ball-winning midfielder would like to see himself playing for the likes of Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits University or Super Sports United as they are known to give youth players a chance to flourish for the senior team.
Martin was discovered by the Soccer Institute through the Discovery Youth Tournament. He was given the opportunity to play for the Institute whilst studying at the NWU-Mafikeng Campus.
“The transition from living in a different environment to the one I am used to in Johannesburg has been a swift one for me, although Mafikeng is a small town, one wouldn’t find it difficult to adjust to living here,” said Martin. “And the fact that I am able to play soccer whilst studying is a very good feeling, which makes me and most importantly my parents happy.”
Martin’s versatility has been a valuable asset for NWY coach Amos Xabanisa. “Wendelle is a central midfielder but we had to play him in the left back position to reinforce our defence,” said Xabanisa. “His main attributes are his aerial prowess due to his height, his composure on the ball and his versatility, as he can play in more than one position.”
It’s just the type of player that can play catalyst to an end-of-season surge for the semi-finals and finals.
By Phenyo Mokgothu
The post Wendelle Martin to bolster NWU-Mafikeng’s defence in Varsity Football appeared first on Varsity Sports SA.