UJ wingman Samuel Warder has caught the eye with his trickery and his flamboyant playing style that has made him a regular starter at UJ.
Born in Johannesburg, Sam is an Operations management student and has been playing in the UJ team for three years. Samuel started playing for UJ when he was still in grade 11 and was head hunted by former UJ coach Bradley Carnell to join the team. Being fit and always coming up with new moves and tricks is what Sam strives for and claims that one day, he will make it to the big time.
At 9-years-old he was chosen to play for Eastern Gauteng, he was then chosen again for under-10 and under-11. At under-11 he was selected to be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns development squad. A few years later he then moved to join the Orlando Pirates Development squad. From there he went to Mpumalanga Black Aces development squad. During this time he represented the Nike ambassador squad for two years.
During his matric year Sam suffered an injury caused by a dislocated shoulder, which caused him to be sidelined for a while.
“At the end of 2015 I had a shoulder operation which was successful,” said Warder. “During my recovery period to build up my shoulder I realised once again how much I love soccer and want to be playing. I also realised how important it is to look after all aspects of my fitness and health as my body is a tool to help me achieve my dream of playing professional soccer.”
Despite his success, Sam Warder’s head isn’t in the clouds; he has his feet firmly grounded, but his dreams are big. “To me football is my greatest passion and love. Realising that to become the best footballer I am capable of being I would have to sacrifice in many ways. Football is my first love after God and my family, it is a way I express who I am in a way that is enjoyable. I love the feeling of being on the pitch and having the freedom to show my passion and love for football.
“My motto in life is – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13.”
By Nkosinathi Shazi
