Learning with a ball at his feet

Born in South Africa to Cypriot parents, one young goalkeeper has his eyes set on Liverpool but takes a principled stand to the sport finds PAUL LAMBIS

Two years ago, South African-born Greek Cypriot Constandino Christodoulou was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He is now based in New Hampshire, USA, attending Dartmouth College on a full scholarship at the Ivy League research university.

“On an international level, I have always wanted to play for South Africa or Cyprus within one of Europe’s top five professional leagues,” Christodoulou stated. “However, my ultimate dream is to play for Liverpool.”

He was always an active sportsman, with a strong interest in both cricket and football, but it was not until he returned from the United Kingdom in 2014, when his Black Aces Academy team was selected to play against Manchester City Academy that he decided to pursue football professionally, which he believes is a “viable avenue” for his future and career.

The youngest of three children, Christodoulou was born in March 2002 in Johannesburg. His mother, Evanthia, died when he was just three years old, leaving his father Andreas to raise him as a single parent. “My father has been the backbone of my success, encouraging and motivating me to be the best that I can be.”

Despite first attending prestigious private school Saheti School that promotes the ethos and values of Hellenism, he transferred in search of greater sporting challenges.

“Transferring to another school proved to be the right decision because after two years there and hard work, I received a sports scholarship to attend one of South Africa’s elite boarding schools,” he said. His relocation to Hilton College meant moving to a different region of South Africa, but this did not bother him because he only has fond recollections of his time there.

“I believe that sports are a fundamental component of any child’s upbringing and development. It’s cliche, but I often say that I learned everything I know with a ball at my feet – in my case, my hands because I’m a goalkeeper,” he told the Cyprus Mail. “Football has provided me with some of my most valuable life lessons and experiences, and it continues to shape me into the individual and leader I am today.”

Christodoulou’s football career began when he was four at the Greek Sporting Club in Johannesburg, where he would frequently watch the local team play and spend time on the pitch kicking the ball about with his friends. “Somehow, the experiences there sparked a fire within me, and the flame is still as bright as it was sixteen years ago.”

The path ahead was difficult at times but football taught him crucial life skills along the way, such as discipline, perseverance, and learning to deal with failure. “So much of my youth and integral developmental years were involved in playing the game at a high level, and I can think of a million life lessons and experiences, whether these occurred on or off the pitch,” he said.

“Having lost my mom at a young age, I always remind myself that whenever anything seems difficult, whether academic, athletic, or social, all I have to do is remember why I am doing it and that everything I do is for her.”

He is now enjoying every moment of his time in the US and hoping to be drafted to the Major League Soccer (MLS) while also receiving a high-level academic education at a globally recognised institution.

“I enjoy being a goalie,” he said, a position for which it is critical to have exceptional reflexes and reaction times, to be in great shape, and to be able to read the game while remaining a core part of the team.

“Football is a team sport, and there is no chance of success without a cohesive and united team working as one unit. If you want to be successful in sports, you must first be a good teammate,” he added.

“However, the most important aspect of being a professional is focusing on the small details that all add up to form who you are as a player and person. If you neglect the minor things, you will never be able to attain your major objectives.”

Christodoulou’s football inspirations have shifted over time, ranging from Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard to Spain’s Iker Casillas. “However, in recent years, I’ve developed a strong admiration for Yann Sommer of Bayern Munich and Switzerland, and I’m still trying to shape my game around certain aspects of his.”

When it comes to his cultural heritage, Christodoulou maintains his Greek Cypriot background has influenced him in every way. Attending a Greek school in his formative years and being heavily involved in all aspects of Greek Cypriot culture in South Africa, from religious to social activities, he is extremely proud of his Cypriot ancestry, which has roots in Limassol, Agros, Nicosia, and Rizokarpaso in the north. “Being Greek Cypriot is an important part of who I am today, and I am very proud of my heritage. Some of my favourite memories involve listening to my grandparents’ stories about their childhood and time spent in the villages,” he said.

Aside from hoping to play for Liverpool one day, Christodoulou plans to work in finance, with a focus on the developing world and emerging markets. But, for the time being, he is intent on becoming the best goalkeeper he can be at Dartmouth College while constantly reminding himself why he is doing it.