ASD Cape Town have confirmed club captain and Under-19 central defender Ethen Sampson has been offered a professional contract with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who play in America's Major League Soccer.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
Sampson,19, who hails from Mitchell's Plein, has been on the South African soccer radar for some time, after having been named Player of the Tournament at the prestigious Metropolitan Cup 2011.
He received further recognition in the National Engen Tournament where he was named Defender of the Tournament, which subsequently led to offers made by several PSL clubs to secure his services.
Sampson and the ASD technical team have always been confident of the young player's overseas potential, but delayed making any decision on his future without first giving Sampson the opportunity to chase his international soccer dream.
ASD Director Mike Steptoe said: "Ethen is the consummate professional - since the age of 17 he's had some of the top SA clubs trying to turn his head with the offer of contracts, but Ethen knew he still needed time to develop his game if he were to make it overseas.
"To his credit, he has been remarkably patient in his pursuit of a professional contract, which isn't always easy when team-mates are moving on.
"His family have been incredibly supportive too, his father Victor in particular, and we are all thrilled that Ethen's hard graft has finally resulted in a contract.
"Ethen trialled with the Whitecaps late last year. They have a great set up and we are confident Ethen will continue to develop under head coach Martin Rennie's care and guidance".
Sampson has been offered a two-year contract by the Whitecaps, and is set to join them for their pre-season in the next week or so.
When asked about the move, Sampson said: "I loved my time on trial in Vancouver - their training sessions were really similar to the training we do at ASD, so it felt like I fit in straight away.
"I know this is a great opportunity for me and its what I have been striving for. I really hope my move will open more doors for ASD players in the MLS, because ASD has not only made me the player I am today, but also the character I am both on and off the field".
The Vancouver Whitecaps became the first Canadian team to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs last year. They were defeated by then defending champions LA Galaxy, but have been building upon the experience and look set to be a competitive outfit in the 2013 season.
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story