Posted in News on May 26, 2011.
Kaizerchiefs.com: Brent, Welcome to the Family!
Brent Lawler: Thanks, it is quite an honour for me to be here and I must say that everyone has been great to me from the first day I trained with the Development guys. I for instance looked up to a guy like Arthur Zwane and Collins Mbesuma. On my arrival here, Arthur was the one who took us through our paces. It was such an honour and I am looking forward working with him on more regular basis.
Kaizerchiefs.com: Tell us a little bit about Brent Lawler…
Brent Lawler: I was born in Durban and we moved to Johannesburg when I was four years old. At home we all fans of Barcelona but my mom (Leanne) always wanted to me to arm myself with education and took me to private schools. I went to an academy in the University of Pretoria and it is where I did Grade 10-12.
My mom was not satisfied though and she took me to Lyn University in United States. He wanted me to focus on my studies rather than playing football. Knowing that I was football crazy he thought maybe the idea of staying at Tuks would distract me (smiling).
I am glad I was able to follow her advice and I know have a Degree in Sports Management. While in US I did not stop playing and played for the varsity team. I enjoyed football over there as it was quite competitive.
Kaizerchiefs.com: Before you went to US you were with University of Pretoria?
Brent Lawler: Yes, I spent two years with Steve Barker at the Development. I learnt a lot that I know today about football. I got to play with the likes of Andile Jali, Mthokozisi Yende and George Maluleka.
Kaizerchiefs.com: How did the move to Kaizer Chiefs happen?
Brent Lawler: (takes a pause) It has not sunk in yet…still feels like a dream, a Cindirella story! I came back from US in November last year and trained with Tuks. The Coaches at Tuks were very excited to see me as I had worked with them during my stay at Tuks before I went to US. The plan was for me to join the senior side in July. Few weeks ago my agent told that he is working something out for me.
Only to find out he had arranged a trial for me with Kaizer Chiefs. I trained with the development the first day and the next day the Head Coach, Vladimir Vermezovic invited me to train with the first team. It was nerve wrecking! Just a thought of training with the likes of Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala whom I look up to gave me goose bumps.
Kaizerchiefs.com: How did your family react when you broke the news to them that you have signed with Kaizer Chiefs?
Brent Lawler: They are very excited. They know especially my mom that it has always been my dream to play at the highest level. Kaizer Chiefs is the biggest team in the country and it is such an honour to have signed a contract with them. I have two brothers, Jonathan (8) and Jazzman (6). Jonathan told me this morning that I am his role model. It was so humbling to hear him saying that!
Kaizerchiefs.com: What are you aiming to achieve with the team during your three year stay?
Brent Lawler: I am only 21 so I will not put pressure on myself. Now I am looking forward working hard during preseason and take it from there. Like any other player, I want to win trophies and be remembered as someone who made a contribution to the team.
What message do you have to the Kaizer Chiefs faithful?
Brent Lawler: I can only promise them to work hard. I am going give it all not only for myself but for the team. I am very happy to be part of this family.
