Jaedin Rhodes, has been playing soccer since a very young age, as scoring goals comes naturally to him. Better known as J-dee, Rhodes is turning 19 years old in April and already building a career he dreamt about his entire life. He was born in Atlantis, lived in Beaconhill and basically grew up in Dura Park because all of his family and friends lived there. “I feel blessed to be a professional footballer, because not many make it this far coming out of the ghetto,” he said. From a young age, he was very interested in football and his talent was recognised by a local football club. His proud mom and greatest fan, said Justine Rhodes, reminisced: “When Jaedin was nine years old, a guy from Atlantis Leeds Football Club (FC) was watching him play soccer in the street. He then asked me if I would give permission for him to play club soccer. I said yes, and so did Jaedin, off course.
He joined Leeds for one year and he was goal scorer of the year.” A year after he joined Atlantis Leeds FC, he joined Hellenic Football Club in Milnerton and remained there for six years. During the same period he played for Robinvale High where he attended school at the time. At the age of 15he played in the Engen and Bayhill tournaments under 18 and -19’s. “During that time, he was scouted by Cape Town City Football Club (FC).In 2021 Jaedin was elected as the captain of the under 18 Engen team as well as the Coca Cola Team,” said Justine.
In the DSTV Diski Challenge for top goal scorers he ranks under the top 10 players as well. This young man is reaching for gold and he is not even 19 years old yet. And that is far from all. A couple of weeks ago he had his first debut for the first team in the starting line-up against Kaizer Chiefs and many agreed it was simply amazing to watch him. He currently plays for Cape Town City FC in the attacking mid-fielder position. “The highlight of my career was making it into the first team and playing against one of the biggest clubs in South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs. I love scoring goals and creating opportunities for my team mates and off course winning the silverware,” said Jaedin.
