CHRIS NJOKWANA’S INSIDE INFO ON THE EASTERN CAPE QUALIFIER
Vuyolwethu Ngqakayi has been chosen as the Eastern Cape Red Bull Street Style finalist. We caught up with Chris Njokwana, Last year’s champion and the Red Bull Street Style 2009 ambassador, to find out what he thinks of 20 year-old Vuyolwethu, also known as Selector, and to find out exactly what went down at the qualifier.
Vuyolwethu Ngqakayi has been chosen as the Eastern Cape Red Bull Street Style finalist. We caught up with Chris Njokwana, Last year’s champion and the Red Bull Street Style 2009 ambassador, to find out what he thinks of 20 year-old Vuyolwethu, also known as Selector, and to find out exactly what went down at the qualifier.
“We were very surprised by the talent. There were a lot of quick learners. We showed some guys how to do sit downs like a week ago, and they were already doing shin taps.”
Chris says he thinks Vuyolwethu is a bit of a natural, “But I think he’s saving some tricks for the final!” We look forward to seeing what Vuyo brings to the final in Gauteng the 24th October.
The East London Qualifier saw some really young competitors stepping up, “The youngest guy we saw was nine years old.” Chris thinks it’s because the sport is still quite new in the Eastern Cape, so younger guys are learning at the same speed as everyone else. They’re also brave, “It’s crazy man, they’re not afraid to take on the elder guys. These kids have talent and confidence; the way they perform, they’ve got rhythm! It’s crazy!”
With such young talent, the Eastern Cape is going to be a province to watch out for in a few years time.
Chris joined former Hellenic midfielder, Ryan Wilks and former Bafana Bafana striker, Brendan Augustine as one of the judges. We asked him what it was like judging with a former Bafana Bafana star, “It was nice, he’s a down to earth guy. He knew what was up; he’d seen some freestylers overseas and was amazed at the level of skill here in South Africa.”
It sounds like Chris was asking Brendan some difficult questions, “freestyle’s helping soccer, it helps with creativity and control, so I asked Brendan what soccer’s doing to help freestyle!” Brendan’s reply? “He just laughed. I’m still waiting for an answer!”
Soon after the final Chris was back on the road. He’s on his way to KwaZulu Natal for the road show and the KwaZulu Natal Regional Qualifier in Durban on the 11th of October.
Check back on Friday for Chris's take on the KwaZulu Natal Roadshow so far.
