GEORGE NEWS - Gianni Fede, a 16-year-old rising soccer star from George Soccer Academy, has taken a significant step in his promising career by signing with Italian Serie D club Luparense. The move comes after a year of dedication and hard work that earned him a scouting opportunity for the club's u. 19 team.
The journey was far from easy for Fede, who admits he wasn't a standout player in his early years. "I wasn't very talented when I was younger and often got picked last.
That pushed me to work on myself, train seriously, and stay consistent," he says. "It's been blood, sweat, and tears to get here."
Fede's breakthrough moment came during a training trip to Montecchio, Italy, where his talent caught the eye of scouts. Three Italian clubs expressed interest in him, reaching out to his agent, Davidê Sanazzarro. Luparense ultimately secured the young South African's signature.
For at least the next year, Fede will live with a host family in Italy as he adapts to a new culture, language, and level of play. Despite his limited fluency in Italian, he is optimistic about the challenge.
"I'm continuing my studies online through Study House, so I'm balancing soccer and academics," he says. "I'd like to study economics, but my goal is to make football my everything."
Fede aims to train rigorously over the next two years, with his short-term sights set on joining the Italian u. 17 national team in 2025.
"The dream is to progress to a bigger team and eventually make football my full-time career," he says.
The transition to Italian soccer has been a revelation for Fede. "In Italy there is much more space on the field, but the players are incredibly technical and tactically aware in ways I've never seen before.
Gianni Fede (16) from George Soccer Academy.
Everyone sticks to the game plan with maturity on the field," he says. "In South Africa, it's more emotional and high-paced, with players keeping opponents under pressure all the time."
Fede credits his development to coaches like Liam Charmers from Johannesburg and his Italian agent, Sanazzarro.
Their guidance, along with his own determination, has laid the foundation for his journey into European football.
As Fede embarks on this transformative chapter, he hopes to inspire young South Africans to chase their dreams, no matter how daunting the odds. "If you stay consistent and dedicated, anything is possible," he says.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
