Dempsey & Dikgacoi Interviews - The Chance

Dempsey & Dikgacoi Interviews - The Chance

After meeting the likes of Wenger, Hiddink, Bendtner, Arshavin, Wilshere and Gibbs at 'The Chance' Finals, the SoccerBible's coverage continues as we caught up with Fulham stars Clint Dempsey and Kagisho Dikgacoi...

Both players are big stars in their respective homelands of the United States and South Africa, and were able to put an alternative slant on the advice they could give to the young footballers from all over the globe who are competing in Nike's 'The Chance' competition. Dempsey and Dikgacoi also had time to sit down with the SoccerBible to chat about Fulham's season so far, life in the Premier League, and more importantly their football boots!

SB: What advice would you give to the contestants who have reached the final of The Chance ? KD: I think they should recognise that they are lucky to be here. They have made the final 100 from over 75,000 players! From here, it is not going to be easy as they must compete against some of the best players in the world. For now it s not about skill or being physically strong - it is most important to be mentally strong.

SB: How have you stepped up your game since you came to the Premier League?

KD: It was difficult for me because I came here straight from playing football in South Africa to the Premier League. The standard in South Africa is not as good as the European countries.

I was fortunate not to sit on the bench for a long time. Roy Hodgson had faith in me and gave me the opportunity to play and I think I proved I can be a good player in this league.

SB: Are you confident this can be a good season for you and Fulham? KD: I have had a tough time with long term injuries I am looking forward to playing as many games as I can. I also want to cement my place in the South African national team but that is up to the coach to decide. Right now we [Fulham] are not in a good position in the table, but team spirit is high. The guys are confident at the training ground and we can improve our position. We have Moussa Dembele who has suffered injuries since he arrived in the summer. He s a good player and if he can stay clear of injuries - everyone will see the best of him. SB: What football boots do you wear?

KD: I like Nike T90s, Legends and Vapors - it s hard to pick a favourite. Right now I use the T90s. I find them very comfortable.

SB: What advice would you give to the contestants who have reached the final of The Chance ?

CD: The Chance gives these young players an opportunity - sometimes you are not in places that you get seen so this is an ideal opportunity to have the possibility of getting seen.

My advice is to go out and try your best, work as hard as you possibly can, listen to what the coaches are trying to tell you and try your best. You don t want to look back, you don t want to have any regrets and what will be will be. That s the way I ve looked at it in my career.

There will be ups and downs - make sure you balance them out. There will be times where you are getting picked and you are playing and there s times when things aren t going as well as you. The key is to have the strength to take both sides - that s the key to sustaining your career.

SB: And what are your boots of choice at the moment?

CD: I wear Nike Mercurial Vapor Superflys. The thin boots help you to feel lighter on your feet and quicker.

There's no doubt that Nike's competition to give global players the chance to realise their dreams has received great endorsement from the pro's, and you can follow all the action from 'The Chance' Finals, including more exclusive interviews and videos on the SoccerBible.