DailySun
Cape Town – A gifted young football talent hailing from Cape Town is enthusiastic about progressing his football career, leading him to Dallas in the United States.
At the age of just 14, Lincoln van Zilla has been selected to represent Table View FC at the prestigious 2025 Dallas Cup, a globally recognized youth soccer tournament.
In 2024, Lincoln proudly captained his Hellenic U14 Academy team to triumph in the Tygerberg Local Football Association (LFA) league championship.
As he gears up to move to U16 in 2025, Lincoln is prepared to compete in the Dallas Cup.
For the 2025 competition, Table View FC is scheduled to make its fourth appearance at the Dallas Cup, sending teams to participate in the U15 and U17 categories.
Notable clubs joining the tournament in 2025 include Newcastle United from the UK, Real Madrid from Spain, Botafogo and Sao Paulo from Brazil, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt from Germany, among others.
In past tournaments, elite teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, Fulham, and Arsenal from England, as well as Tigres from Mexico and Boca Juniors from Argentina, have taken part in the Dallas Cup.
These teams, along with top academy sides from the US, make the tournament one of the most competitive globally.
Craig Barrows, an organizer from Table View attending his fifth Dallas Cup, remarked, “Our teams will compete against some of the finest academies around the world. This includes the top teams in the US, and the level of competition is extremely high.”
Given the fierce competition, Table View has opted to scout and invite players from nearby areas to represent the club at the Dallas Cup.
“The level of competition is so high that we recognized the need to expand our talent pool to stay competitive,” Barrows explained.
For the 2025 tournament, the club will feature players from Table View, Hellenic FC, Cape Town Spurs, and other local football teams.
For Lincoln, competing in the Dallas Cup is a monumental step in his football career.
“I have played with several clubs and academies, and each experience has enriched my understanding of the game and my growth as a player,” he shared.
“The Dallas Cup represents a fantastic opportunity for my teammates and me, and we are all thrilled. However, we have significant training and preparation ahead to enhance our chances of success on an international stage.”
Playing as a No. 8 midfielder, Lincoln can function as a double pivot or as a box-to-box midfielder depending on the game situation. He idolizes Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri as his role models.
Lincoln views the US collegiate system as an appealing potential objective, as playing soccer on a scholarship while pursuing an academic degree would offer a solid foundation for his future.
When asked about the chance to compete against top young talents globally, Lincoln stated: “We have tremendous talent and potential in South Africa, and I have been fortunate to learn from outstanding coaches.
“Now we have the opportunity to train together, prepare, and showcase our abilities on an international stage.
“I’m truly eager for the demanding training and preparation in the upcoming months as we prepare for the Dallas Cup.”
According to Barrows, the Dallas Cup is distinctive among youth tournaments worldwide because it is invite-only.
To date, only two teams from South Africa have received invitations, and Barrows highlighted Table View’s commitment to building on the foundation that has been established.
The tournament restricts participation to 32 teams per age group, featuring a straightforward format—only the top-placed teams in each group advance to the next round.
In 2024, two Table View teams, the U13 and U18 squads, successfully progressed past the group stages for the first time. “This was a significant achievement for us as a club and for South Africa, and we aim to build upon this success with the 2025 teams,” stated Barrows.
The estimated expense for the two-week trip is R64,000, which covers flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and training and match kits. This does not include other trip-related expenditures, such as obtaining a US visa.
Lincoln’s father, Lindiz van Zilla, mentioned that the tournament constitutes a considerable financial investment, and their family would be grateful for any support to help make this dream a reality.
He has launched a Back-a-Buddy campaign where all donations will directly support Table View FC in aiding Lincoln’s journey to Dallas.
“We kindly ask businesses and individuals to consider extending their support in any form. Every contribution, regardless of its size, brings us closer to realizing this dream.”
Support Lincoln van Zilla: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/lincoln-van-zilla-dallas-cup-2025
For more details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/tableviewfootballclub
