The off season break has definitely been good on the body. We had a tough season playing back to back games so being able to recover properly and spend time with family was great.

Going back home to Cape Town to see my family unfortunately did not allow me to be participating in any projects. While being at home I mainly focused on recovery, mentally and physically as well as trained following the off season programme.

Being one of the youngest players in the team is always challenging as you constantly want to prove your worth. I feel I had done so and due to that I was seen by the right eyes and achieved DSTV man of the match and my Bafana Bafana call up. The team performed at its best and I am proud of us.

The COVID19 definitely impacted soccer as a whole. But being the youngest in the team did not have an effect on the way in which I coped with COVID. The team always supported one another and encouraged each other to keep a positive mind-set.

Fitting into the new team was certainly one of the easiest things to do. From the technical team who constantly gave their support to my teammates who made every day at training worth while. When match days approach unity formed within us and us as a team gave our all. The welcome was amazing and I really felt at home.

There are always more than one choice for a position. However, having a healthy competition with Siyabonga Nhlapo and Grant Kekana allowed me to work harder as well as they were a great support system to help me grow.

The Bafana Bafana call-up is definitely a big moment for me. Playing for South Africa is definitely a privilege as I will represent my country with pride. I got called up whilst being at home in Cape Town. It came as a great surprise and I felt very blessed to be able to be called up whilst being with my family who is my biggest support system.

I always believe that it is important to take every day as it comes. However, my two main goals are to play in Europe and experience the type of soccer they play there and win young player of the season. But at the moment I will focus on doing my job at SuperSport United Football Club.

I’m back in Johannesburg already and it always helps to get back into the swing of things before the pre-season starts.

I try to go to the gym as often as possible and I have been following the off-season programme that the technical team sent to us to help us stay in shape.

Regarding the COVID19, I feel it is important to take this pandemic seriously as lives are being lost on a daily basis. I urge everyone to stay at home as much as possible, drink your vitamins, sanitize and put on their masks.

Profile:

 Name:

Keenan Phillips

Date of birth:

February 7, 2000

Place of birth:

Cape Town

Previous clubs:

2012-2014 Ajax Cape Town FC

2014-2016 Hellenic FC

2016-2020 Bidvest Wits FC