AmaTuks, the professional arm of the University of Pretoria, have signed Varsity Football midfielder Claudio de Almeida on a 12-month contract with an option to extend it for an additional two years.
It is a dream come true for the 23-year-old De Almeida to play professional football for the National First Division team and believes that Varsity Football gave him the necessary experience to be competitive.
“Varsity Football gave me the exposure to play football at a high level,” said the second year BComm Business Management student.
“Everything is done so professionally; the build-up; singing of the national anthem. It all helps us to prepare for football on a professional level,” he added.
De Almeida is now a fully-fledged professional player after helping AmaTuks to their opening win of the 2016/17 National First Division against Cape Town All Stars but he is determined to finish his studies.
“One of the reasons that I came to Tuks is so that I can pursue my degree and play quality football,” said De Almeida.
“I know that a professional career does not last forever so I’m making sure that I have an education behind my name so that I can look after myself,” he added.
By Dan Lombard
