Craig Martin is a South African professional soccer player who currently plays as a right midfielder for Chippa United. Born on October 4th, 1993 in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Martin began his soccer career playing for Kensington FC and attended Kensington High School. He has since gone on to play for several teams, including Orlando Pirates.
Martin’s career has been marked by his impressive skills on the field, particularly his speed and agility. He has been praised for his ability to quickly change direction and his excellent ball control. These skills have helped him become a valuable player for his team and have earned him recognition both in South Africa and internationally.
Despite his success, Martin remains humble and dedicated to the sport he loves. He is known for his hard work and commitment to his team, and he continues to strive for excellence both on and off the field. With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that Craig Martin will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of soccer.
Early Life
Birth and Family
Craig Martin was born on October 4, 1993, in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Not much is known about his family background or upbringing. However, it is known that he grew up in the Kensington suburb of Cape Town and attended Kensington High School.
Early Career
Martin began his football career playing for Kensington FC, a local club in Cape Town. He then went on to play for Cape Town All Stars, a South African football club based in Parow, Cape Town.
In 2017, Martin signed with Stellenbosch FC, a South African football club based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. During his time with the club, he played as a right midfielder and helped the team earn promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the first time in their history.
Martin’s impressive performances caught the attention of Chippa United, a South African football club based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. In July 2023, he signed with Chippa United and is currently playing as a right midfielder for the club.
Overall, Martin’s early career was marked by hard work and dedication, which helped him rise through the ranks and establish himself as a talented footballer in South Africa.
College Career
University Statistics
There is no information available on Craig Martin’s college career statistics.
Awards and Achievements
Craig Martin did not receive any notable awards or achievements during his college career.
Professional Career
Draft and Debut
Craig Martin began his professional career with Cape Town City FC in 2017. He was discovered by former Bafana Bafana striker, Shaun Bartlett, who was the assistant coach at the time. Martin’s impressive performances in the Cape Town Tycoon tournament caught Bartlett’s attention, and he was signed to the club’s development team.
Martin made his debut for Cape Town City FC in the 2017/18 season, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars. He went on to make 25 appearances in all competitions that season, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists.
Season Highlights
In the 2018/19 season, Martin was one of Cape Town City FC’s standout performers. He scored 6 goals and provided 8 assists in 28 appearances in all competitions. His performances earned him a nomination for the PSL Young Player of the Season award.
In 2020, Martin signed for Chippa United. He played an important role in helping the team avoid relegation in the 2020/21 season, making 23 appearances and scoring 2 goals. He continued to impress in the 2021/22 season, making 32 appearances and scoring 4 goals in all competitions.
International Play
Martin has represented South Africa at the international level. He made his debut for Bafana Bafana in a friendly against Angola in March 2021. He has since made 4 appearances for the national team.
Martin’s versatility and work rate make him a valuable asset to any team. His ability to play as a right-back or right midfielder gives coaches tactical flexibility, and his willingness to track back and defend makes him a reliable option in defense.
Playing Style
Position and Role
Craig Martin is a versatile player who can play as a right-back or as a right midfielder. He is known for his speed, agility, and technical ability, which make him a valuable asset to any team. Martin’s preferred position is as a right midfielder where he can use his pace and dribbling skills to create chances for his teammates.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Martin’s main strength is his ability to run with the ball at pace and take on defenders one-on-one. He is also a good crosser of the ball and has a keen eye for goal. Martin’s defensive abilities are also noteworthy, as he can track back and help out his team in defense.
However, Martin’s main weakness is his lack of physicality, which can make it difficult for him to compete against stronger opponents. He also needs to work on his decision-making skills, as he sometimes tends to hold onto the ball for too long, which can slow down the team’s attack.
Overall, Craig Martin is a talented player with a lot of potential. If he can continue to work on his weaknesses and refine his skills, he has the ability to become a top player in his position.
Off the Field
Philanthropy
Craig Martin is known for his philanthropic endeavors off the field. He has been involved in various charity events and has donated to several organizations over the years. One of the organizations he supports is the Cape Town Society for the Blind. Martin has also been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about mental health issues and has spoken publicly about his own struggles with anxiety.
Personal Interests
Off the field, Craig Martin is a family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He is also an avid reader and enjoys reading books on a variety of topics. Martin is also a fan of music and enjoys listening to a variety of genres. He is also a fitness enthusiast and enjoys working out regularly to maintain his physical fitness.
In addition to these interests, Martin is also passionate about food and enjoys cooking in his spare time. He has been known to experiment with different recipes and flavors, and often shares his creations on social media. Overall, Craig Martin is a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests and passions outside of football.
Statistics
Career Stats
Craig Martin is a South African professional footballer who currently plays as a right midfielder for Chippa United. According to Transfermarkt, he has played in 23 matches and scored 5 goals in the 2023/2024 season of Premier Soccer League in South Africa. He has also provided 4 assists and has an average of 1.8 shots per game.
In addition, Martin has made 1.2 key passes per game and has a pass success rate of 80.4%. He has also been fouled 1.4 times per game and has committed 1.1 fouls per game. His average rating for the season is 7.05.
Notable Records
Craig Martin has not yet broken any notable records in his career. However, he has shown great potential and has been a consistent performer for Chippa United. With his impressive stats and skills, he has the potential to become one of the best players in the South African Premier Soccer League.
Also check: Darren Johnson: Player Profile and Biography
Public Perception
Media Coverage
Craig Martin has received positive media coverage throughout his career. He has been praised for his versatility, speed, and technical ability on the field. The media has also highlighted his impressive work ethic and dedication to the sport.
In 2022, Martin was named the Player of the Month by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after his impressive performances for Orlando Pirates. His performances were widely covered by the media, with many journalists praising his contributions to the team.
Fan Base
Craig Martin has a large and dedicated fan base in South Africa. His performances on the field have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting players in the country. Fans appreciate his skill, work ethic, and dedication to the sport.
Martin has also been involved in various community initiatives, which has helped him to build a strong connection with his fans. He has worked with local schools and charities to promote the sport and encourage young people to get involved.
Overall, Craig Martin is highly respected by both the media and his fans. His performances on the field and his dedication to the sport have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting players in South Africa.
Future Prospects
Craig Martin has shown great potential throughout his career and has become a valuable asset to the teams he has played for. As a versatile player, he has the ability to play both as a right-back or right midfielder, which makes him a valuable player for any team.
Given his age and experience, Martin still has a lot to offer to the football world. He has shown that he can perform at the highest level and can handle pressure situations with ease. With his impressive speed and dribbling skills, he has the potential to become one of the best players in South Africa.
If Martin continues to work hard and maintain his fitness, he has the potential to attract the attention of bigger clubs in the future. With his contract expiring in 2025, he has ample time to showcase his talents and make a name for himself in the football world.
Overall, Craig Martin has a bright future ahead of him, and it will be exciting to see where his career takes him in the coming years.