Reagan Charles, warming up before one of his matches
in Swaziland (Picture: Ntokozo Magongo)
Mbombela United was thrilled to
welcome Swaziland’s striker, Reagan Charles. He has recently signed a two year
contract with South Africa’s First Division League, after numerous attempts of
getting into one of the country’s teams.
The Mpumalanga Province’s team
welcomed the 20 year old player in July this year, after passing his trails.
Reagan has performed in a few of the international, friendly games since being
signed, and is looking forward to many more matches. After being based in
Swaziland since childhood, and receiving numerous rejects, he has managed to
open doors for himself in our country. Reagan says “the club saw me playing in
Swaziland and they invited me for further trails in South Africa, with them. I
luckily managed to win the coach’s heart”.
Reagan played as a striker for
Manzini Sundowns in Swaziland and once his one year contracted ended after the
season, he moved onto playing for one of his local, home teams Stumbo XL,
before joining Mbombela United. He usually trains and practices with the local
team at his family farm, and encourages the sport to many young, ambitious
boys.
Coming from a family of soccer
players, Reagan was forced to play ball from when he started walking. His
father who also happens to be his agent, Rodney “Stumbo” Charles played soccer
for Moroko Swallows and Durban City, before moving back to Swaziland to pursue
his career and later coach. Reagan says his father always pushed him and gave
him tips on how to improve on his game. “My father has played a major role in
my football career, and gives me a lot of pressure to succeed because people
want to see if I can do what he could do back in his day” he says. With the pressure from the public and the
disbelief of young talent from coaches, Reagan has pushed himself to succeed,
with the help of his family and friends. “The love and hunger for success, and
never giving up until I get what I want,” is what motivates Reagan to continue
playing.
Reagan’s father, Rodney has faith
in the success of his son and the outcome of his soccer career. “If Reagan
improves on his skill with this team, he can go really far. He has all the
skills and tools to become a top player. He is playing in a better league than
he was back in Swaziland so he’ll get the experience he needs in order to be
successful”, says Rodney.
Aside from being a good soccer
player, Reagan is a very loving, home orientated person who enjoys weekends
around family and friends. He has been involved in numerous
charities in
Swaziland that assist the country’s citizens, and strives for a better future. Link
to article: http://www.observer.org.sz/news/63380-soccer-stars-friends-donate-to-ka-langa.html
After the entire struggle to get
himself to where he wants to be, Reagan is ensuring he continues to push and
give this opportunity his all. This is only the beginning for him, and after
all his challenges he is sure to be destined for great things, making his name
stand out amongst the rest.
Reagan sees himself playing for a
world class international team in the future, but for now he is looking forward
to his journey with Mbombela United, and ready to tackle anything that comes
his way. “I am excited about the group of players I work with, and the way the
club is run. I have a very professional and ambitious team”, he says.
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