Duane Bennett Strikes Green and Gold
- By S’fiso Nyawo
Congratulations to Duane Bennett, who recently received a SA U-20 Men’s National Team (Amajita) call-up in preparation for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Congratulations to one of our budding young football talents, Duane Bennett, who recently received a South African U-20 Men’s National Team (Amajita) call-up in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Duane Bennett who hails from Reiger Park in Boksburg is currently doing his first year of a Bachelor of Arts degree at Wits University. He joined a week-long training camp in preparation for the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers which are set to start in September 2024.
Bennett who is a loanee from Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, has been playing his favoured sport for many years, having played in a few tournaments in Europe in his more junior years.
“Football has always been a part of the family, my father played football before me but couldn’t make it professionally due to certain circumstances. I grew up playing the game and fell in love with it at an early age. I would have never thought it would have brought me so far and for that I’ll forever be grateful.”
Outside of his family, the 19-year-old Bennett draws his inspiration from not just one player in the professional space but an array of global superstars that push him to be the best version of himself on and off the field.
“There are a number of players I look up to. I wouldn’t say I model my game around them but learn from them as much as possible to try and improve my game and excel as an individual on and off the pitch. Players like Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk, and Jamal Musiala however spring to mind.”
Duane was recently rewarded for his hard work, with a national team call-up, which left him shocked yet excited for what lays ahead.
“I was in shock when I received the news, not knowing what to think or say. It has always been a dream of mine to represent my country and I'm grateful for the opportunity I have been given.”
With any career, there are always setbacks and Duane backs his process, seeing it as a way that helps him excel in his craft. “I remember why I started and the responsibilities I have. I always tell myself that God didn’t bring me thus far to leave me here, his plans far exceed the ones I have for myself, so I submit and abide and wait on his timing.”
“Representing my family has also always pushed me to do even better and by playing football, I do not only represent myself but them as well.”
Duane’s advice to players looking to find the fortune he’s found so far in his career is to really push yourself and believe but above all else. “Pray, work hard, stay consistent, and always look for ways to improve yourself and those around you.”
If football had not been a successful path, Duane feels he would’ve looked at an entrepreneurial path, based on the teachings he’s received from football. “I’ve dedicated my whole life to the sport, so it would be hard to say but I think I’d go more into the business industry, become an entrepreneur because if there is one thing football has taught me, it would be that with discipline you can achieve a lot.”
Duane concluded the interview by sharing how he’s managed to balance a busy academic schedule with his football commitments. “It’s challenging at times and requires a lot of sacrifices, but it becomes easier when you develop good time management skills.”
Duane Bennett is certainly a player to look out for in the football sphere, where he is not short of passion, talent and drive.