Stellenbosch FC, the only South African team in the Next Generation Cup starting August 1, will be a force to reckon with. The two-time DStv Diski Challenge Champions were the inaugural winners of the title in 2019 and, last year, finished runners-up to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final on penalties.
The Next Generation Cup features three youth teams (U-21) from India: the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) champions Punjab FC, finalists East Bengal FC and Muthoot FA, and the youth teams of top Premier League sides Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur.
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Stellenbosch FC had their first and only practice session ahead of the tournament on Wednesday at the University of Warwick training facility, and among the impressive bunch of talented youngsters, a certain Rijul Pillay looks the part.
Pillay, the only player of Indian origin in the South African football ecosystem, stands out for his skills, unique background, and journey. At only 20, Rijul, playing as a centre-back for Stellenbosch FC, has inspired many aspiring footballers, particularly those of Indian heritage.
From Early Beginnings to Professional Football
Rijul’s football journey began at the age of four. “I started playing when I was four years old,” said Rijul on the sidelines of his team’s first training session. His talent was quickly recognised, and by age 11, he was scouted to join a professional team. “I moved to the professional team and was there for eight years, from under 13 to the first team and then when I was 15, I got promoted to under 23, and I started my first game. I signed for AmaZulu, and then Stellenbosch FC wanted me, so they transferred me last year, last season.,” he added. In fact, at the age of only 15, he signed a contract with an under-23 team.
The Nickname’ Gully Boy’ and Indian Heritage
An interesting aspect of Rijul’s identity is his nickname, ‘Gully Boy.’ Coach (Van) Evangelos Vellios and the team traveled to India last year to play in the Next Gen Cup. When they returned, they started calling me ‘Gully Boy.’ It stuck because they said I looked like him.”
Despite the challenges Indian-origin players face in South Africa, Rijul has managed to break the barriers. He credits his supportive family for allowing him to pursue his passion. “My parents were very supportive of my career choice. They said, ‘It’s your choice; you’re old enough.’ Their backing helped me escape the normal routes of becoming a doctor or engineer,” noted Rijul.
Challenges and Inspirations
However, the teenager understands the challenges players of Indian origin face, particularly in a country where football isn’t traditionally popular among Indian communities. “Many Indian players in South Africa don’t have a strong mindset. They’re very talented, maybe even more talented than some of these guys, but they don’t have the mindset or discipline. And I think that’s what carried me and helped me throughout my career and yet helped me separate myself from other Indians and compete with talented and hardworking players like them”.
He draws inspiration from his father, who was close to becoming a professional footballer. “My father influenced me a lot. He didn’t make it due to lack of opportunities and politics, but his passion for the game inspired me,” said Rijul.
Future Aspirations and The Next Generation Cup
Looking ahead, Rijul aims to inspire other Indian-origin kids to take football seriously. “I’ve spoken to some, and they ask me what the secret is. I tell them everyone is talented, but we need to do more because we don’t have the best genetics compared to everyone else”.
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India Aspirations
It is interesting that when asked about what he knows about his Indian heritage, he mentioned that his mother is Hindu and his father is Tamilian before adding that the Maharaj surname is something his previous generation had. But does he have any Indian aspirations?
“It’s funny because ever since we planned the trip, Coach Van has been just talking to me. He’s like; he makes a joke saying if they want you, we will sell you.”
“The national team, India, you know, I would actually… I would… I think it would be a nice story that I’ll have to tell one day, coming from South Africa. And I think it’s a nice continent to play football on as well,” said Rijul when probed more about whether he would like to switch his allegiance if the Indian federation came calling.
Injury Woes
But it has not been easy for this Sergio Ramos fan. The Next Generation Cup, in fact, will be the first time after a long injury layoff that Pillay will take the field for his team. As her coach, Pillay had an issue with his abductor, leading to a hip problem, and missed the last part of their regular season. In fact, the game time in the Next Generation Cup could be his first match in a long time.
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