Fresh & Hungry: Michael Harrison

Next up in our Fresh & Hungry Series is Footballer Michael Harrison, a brilliant Kaiser Chiefs Junior Team player. This young-and-up-coming champion of 16 years old is definitely one to watch out for! Michael, known as “Mikey” or “Harrison” to friends and coaches says this of his jersey numbers 8/10 – the numbers of Generals “engines of the game”. “At age five, Michael was fearless with speed that even shocked me… He only wanted to score goals….and boy he did!” says his mom – Nicole Harrison.

On the field he is able to read the game incisively, while anticipating the movement of the opposition. He has the ability to orchestrate the flow of the game and create scoring opportunities for the strikers in his team. Off the field he is committed to everything he does, always pushing to finish a thing once he has started it. He says “It’s in my nature to go above and beyond my abilities to “think out the box””. He supports his friends and family and is committed to his academics to ensure above average grades and university entrance.

He believes that “Life is a beautiful journey and I understand that there are a variety of activities I need to be committed to such as: being committed to my spiritual life at church; supporting my community however I can.

INTERVIEW:

You are passionate about your footie, tell me a little bit about how you started in football and your football journey up to now?

My passion for football developed at an early age. I started playing football when I was 4 years of age. I used to play with kids older than me, at Robertsham Callies Football Club and I must say this contributed a lot towards the development of my skills in the sport. I then moved on to play school football and was selected to play at district levels, for Discovery, and then I played for Wits University Junior team. At the moment, I am playing for the Kaizer Chiefs Junior team.

What has been some of your highlights in football so far?

A wow moment for me was when I got called to feature with George Wear, on the African Cup of Nations advert, which was shot at Soccer City (FNB Stadium).

What club do you play for and how do you find it?

I play for Kaizer Chiefs. I find it both challenging and interesting as I get to learn new things every day, which are adding value and contributing immensely towards realising my dream. I really enjoy playing here.

What position do you play?

All-rounder, besides goal keeper. I perform where I am needed.

How do you manage to fit in both sports and academics into your schedule?

I ensure that I don’t lose focus in class, and I wake up in the early hours of the morning to study.

What do you do to relax?

Play PS, go out with friends and listening to music. I also love to go out on dates.

Which athlete/ athletes inspire you?

My coach, Arthur Zwane.

What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Never limit yourself, always reach for the best.

What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

Academics and soccer; I have to always give my all towards both.

When you’ve had a tough / bad day, what lifts you up again?

My team mates that encourage me. We are always there for each other.

I’m sure you have many things going on right now, what’s to be expected next from Michael Harrison?

To get into the professional football ranks in the near future.

Thank you so much Michael for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for the future and for your plans ahead. We look forward to following your exciting journey. Blessings!