The SIFF Super Futsal League (SSFL) 2023 season has already set the platform for many aspiring young futsal talents with big dreams to pursue the Kurukuru legacy on the world stage.
Jerol Patty Eremae, a soon-to-be 16-year-old from To’obaita, Malaita province has begun that quest to becoming a professional futsal player and representing the decorated national futsal team.
Inspired by his futsal role model – now turning professional Calvin Do’oro, Jerol got introduced to the five-aside code with the Sports And Leadership Training (SALT) in 2019.
An avenue that he says has built him a brand and compliment his potential at an early age.
“I find myself comfortable being part of the SALT program with others in the same age group,” he shyly spoke.
The lad’s first progress playing at the school league for Lungga School was when he got the Junior Kurukuru U-12 squad call-up in 2020.
“I feel special when I was part of the National Junior team. That was when I made the decision to pursue my career in futsal.
He also featured in the SIFF International Futsal Cup last year.
This year he made the awkward decision – despite the age difference he joined debutants Wechon FC in the SIFF Super Futsal League – the top-tier futsal league in the country.
“It’s a whole new experience for me playing against bigger players and mostly national stars,” he said.
“I learn a lot throughout the league and it motivates me to push myself to be like the senior players in the future because I believe if they can do it so would I.
The first-born in a family of two, Jerol, also considered his relationship with sport and academic performance as a Form 3 leaver and being vulnerable to peer pressure.
“It’s kind of challenging for me as a teenager to keep the discipline. I’ve always tried my best to stay focused avoid bad habits and have self-control, and I’m confident to overcome these because spiritually I always look to God for his guidance helping me to choose the right path in life,” he contently expressed.
“To be in Kurukuru colors will be a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to represent my country and put my mark at the highest level I can achieve.
National Kurukuru head coach Damon Shaw has recently made a personal pitch for the promising lad.
“I’ve been watching Jerol very closely throughout the league. He’s one of the young players with incredible talent and I like him. I might call him up for the next training squad, give him a chance to just get use to the national set-up,” Shaw described.
Jayroll scored three goals in the futsal league with an impressive number of assists as he continues to help his Wechon side which currently sits eighth in the national league standings after five rounds.
“I want to thank my coaches since day one my futsal friends, and mostly my parents for supporting me. I promise to make them proud one day.
-SIFF Media
