Brad Wexler talks about sacrifice and the ups and downs of making it in the football world

GroundUp: When did you start playing soccer?

Wexler: I started playing when I was six for Camps Bay Soccer Club..

GroundUp: Who is your role model?

Wexler: I always look at players like Xavi, Iniesta and Messi who depict what a footballer must be like on and off the field. To be humble is not always an easy trait to keep when things are going well, but I feel its a trait that people respect much more than the glamour and style that players like Ronaldo depict on a daily basis.

GroundUp: What clubs have you played for?

Wexler: I played for Ajax Cape Town as well as the FC Cape Town Academy. I was given a great opportunity in 2007 to go to England to train in the Academy of Liverpool FC where I was spotted by a Spanish agent who would bring me over to Spain for a couple of trials. Due to FIFA laws I was not allowed to leave home until 18 so I decided to finish school.

I left for Portugal to play for CS Maritimo where I signed my first professional contract. However, my agent did not do his job and so my contract was not properly registered when the club decided not to take back their African players. I was released without having a case. This was very frustrating but a learning curve for me. I was called to play for the under-20 squad which was a great experience to be part of during the Eight Nations Soccer Challenge in my home town, Cape Town.

GroundUp: How was the season for you?

Wexler: Since being back home I have trained with a few PSL clubs. But I need to find the right club to suit my playing style. I may return to Europe sooner than later it seems.

GroundUp: What advice would you give to young aspiring footballers?

Wexler: In this life of being a footballer, things can be great and then all of a sudden not so much. Its always up and down in this type of career. I’ve had to also make huge sacrifices which is part of trying to become a success in anything one aspires to. However I believe that in order to get better, we have to give up a few things to move up in the world.