Egan Freese’s father celebrates Amajita’s Cosafa U/20 Cup triumph

Tarrias Sharpley was among the few supporters at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome South Africa’s national under-20 side home after their successful Cosafa U/20 Cup campaign, with his son Egan Freese having played a key role in the team’s achievement.

The Kaizer Chiefs defender helped Amajita win the tournament for a third consecutive time, contributing to an unbeaten campaign in Mozambique.

Sharpley said he was proud of his son and the entire squad after greeting the players at the airport.

“I am very happy for him. He’s my son, but I am also very happy for all the boys going through the tournament unbeaten. It’s a phenomenal achievement. I think words can’t express how I feel right now,” he told Soccer Laduma.

Freese, who is the grandson of former Magesi FC coach Allan Freese, will now hope to be included in the squad for the 2027 U/20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ghana.

Amajita are the defending AFCON champions, and this group of players will be aiming to retain the title next year. For now, however, they are still celebrating their success in Mozambique.

Sharpley, who recently left a coaching role at Highlands Park, believes his son is well prepared for the increased attention that is likely to accompany his progress towards senior professional football.

He said the 18-year-old had remained grounded despite the recognition that followed his performances.

“Egan hasn’t changed over time. Obviously, he’s an 18-year-old teenager now, but as a boy at home, he is really a good example to his siblings,” Sharpley said.

“He is focused on soccer, focused on his school work and he gets involved at home and in the community and quite involved at church as well. He really understands what his role is.

“I am happy that the fame and attention that has come has not gone to his head. He has really remained humble. He understands that he is not only a footballer, but he is a person with other interests.”

Freese is also continuing with his education. Sharpley said his son was preparing to resume preliminary examinations next week after putting them on hold to take part in the tournament.

“He is currently busy with exams. Next week, he has to continue with his prelims that he had to put on hold before the tournament. The focus has been there and I am quite happy with how he has gone about it,” he said.

Sharpley added that Freese had benefited from having experienced football figures in his family. Allan Freese is a professional coach, while Sharpley himself has spent 10 years in the GDL.

“What has helped for us is that his grandfather, Allan, is a professional coach. I’ve been in the GDL for 10 years as well, so we understand the industry,” he said.