Cape Town City star Jaedin Rhodes has shared how the late Mark Byrne helped him reach his dream of becoming a professional footballer, the biggest lesson he has learnt and so much more.
Sunglass Hut and Kickoff approached four rising stars who participated in a photoshoot where the quartet of youngsters got to show off a side to them that fans may have not seen before.
As part of the campaign, this week sees the Citizens' prolific forward sit down with KickOff and share some of how it felt to make his debut along with Rhodes' views on his "sexy" style and how he deals with disappointment.
Ready to join Jaedin Rhodes on the field?
— Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) September 4, 2023
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1. When did you realise you want to become a professional footballer?
I knew from my time at Hellenic because me and Mark Byrne were very close and he made it clear to me that I had the potential to make it to the top. He made me make sacrifices like moving me out of Atlantis away from my family, put me in a school so I knew that at some point I had to make it. I can't go through all this stuff and not reach the finish line.
2. What did it feel like to make your debut?
Just two years ago, I was sitting in the stand watching Cape Town City and Ajax Cape Town play against each other and here I am the field. It was a big achievement.
3. Who is the GOAT footballer?
Neymar, he is creative and stylish. I am that kind of player.
4. What is the best advice anyone has ever given you on or off the field?
In this world, it is you versus you. If you don't go out there and get it, no one is going to do it for you.
5. Tell us a bit about your style, do you prefer casual or formal?
I prefer a bit of both. It depends on the occasion, I like to mix it up sometimes a nice oversized t-shirt with jeans.
6. Is there any footballer who or celebrity whose drip you would like to mirror?
Keagan Buchanan.
7. Who is the most stylish player in the DStv Premiership and why?
Keagan Buchanan, if you go to his Instagram. The tattoos, the jewellery he has on, everything is stylish.
8. How do you deal with the trolls or negative comments on social media?
The stuff that goes on social media can affect your mind and thinking, So it is not good for you but its not all bad. I am a person that loves to ignore negative comments, i don't still bother by replying or reading that stuff.
9. And during the off-season?
It depends on my mood so maybe i will go the mall but I love going to the beach where I kick the ball around.
10. Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of soccer?
The sport I love besides soccer is tennis. I grew up watching tennis and my favourite player is Rafael Nadal. I'm not bad at playing tennis, I can play but I won't say I am good at it.
11. If you couldn't be a professional soccer player, what would you do instead?
If it wasn't for soccer I don't know where I would be. Growing up, it was something else. I went on wrong route. Soccer saved my life. Another career i would consider is being a model.
12. What is on your music playlist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Giveon, Meek Mill and Nipsey Hussle. Before I go onto the pitch, I listen to Stay from Rihanna and after that I will listen to Meek Mill to get me hyped up.
13. How do you deal with disappointment after a loss?
Sometimes it is tough to deal with it but you can't be too hard on yourself. You may feel disappointment but there is always a next game to improve and a next training session to improve.
14. If you had any advice for your younger self, what would it be?
If you want to go get something, never stop never settle keep going.
15. What was the biggest lesson you learned so far in your career?
That football can change very quickly. it can take you up but it can take you down as well. Someone who is experienced told me this.
16. If you had to define your style in one word, what would you use?
Sexy
17. Can you play an instrument, or which one would you like to?
Piano, this is the instrument I always wanted to play. I just love the way it sounds.
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