When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and South Africa went into lockdown, Zaid April was just a teenager in Cape Town looking for a way to pass the time. With real-world football put on hold, he picked up a controller and stepped onto the virtual pitch.

"For me, I started playing in lockdown, so like I had nothing else to do, to be honest," April recalled in an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News.

"And then, like, I was winning tournaments and then I saw the money and whatever. And yeah, they (parents) just allowed me to continue competing."

Fast forward to today, and that lockdown pastime has transformed into a dominant career.

April has become a household name in South African esports, sweeping the country's most coveted domestic titles in 2026, including the MTN Shift Gaming Experience, Telkom VS Gaming and the Sundowns Esports Championship.

Mamelodi Sundown player Tebogo Mokoena and Goliath Gaming athlete Zaid April. Picture: Red Bull Content Pool

On Sunday, April conquered the Red Bull Wings Cup National Final at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld Stadium, outplaying 15 of South Africa's finest EA Sports FC 27 players.

The victory earned him the national crown and a ticket to represent South Africa at the inaugural Red Bull Wings Cup Final in Miami, United States, in January 2027. There, he will take on top national champions from 80 countries in a unique competition combining virtual gameplay with real-world physical challenges.

Looking back on his dominant season, April credits his breakthrough to his deep mastery of the virtual game's mechanics.

"FC 26 overall suited my game style. The game was basically made for me, he said. "Winning all those competitions is quite hard. It was one of my goals at the start of the year because those are the majors in South Africa. To win them all in one year is a big achievement for me personally."

Behind April's composed gameplay is a strong support system. Joining Goliath Gaming four years ago proved to be a turning point, offering him professional coaching, resources, and a sense of belonging.

"Since I joined, it's just been like I'm a part of a family," April shared.

"They put me in the best possible position to compete at the highest level." His family has also been by his side every step of the way. "They support me always. Sometimes I fly them out to Joburg as well to watch me."

Goliath Gaming athlete Zaid April during the Red Bull Wings Cup National Final on Sunday 31 October 2026. Picture: Red Bull Content Pool

Transitioning from real-world football to digital gaming also gave April a tactical edge.

"I used to play football, but I stopped during lockdown. That knowledge I took into the digital side as well," he explained. "The ideas behind it are all the same. If you want space, you play the ball out wide to open up space. But obviously, I'm not using my legs; I'm using my fingers."

That tactical understanding, paired with ice-cold mental strength, has helped him navigate high-pressure moments- like his thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory at the MTN Shift Gaming Experience.

"Composure is tough, but all the work is done before the tournament," he noted. "When it starts, you just gotta believe in your abilities."

As he prepares to fly the South African flag in Miami, April remains focused on pushing the boundary for African esports on the world stage.

He believes local players can bridge the gap to top European and South American pros through hard work, belief and mutual support, comparing South Africa's potential to powerhouse football clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns.

For young South Africans dreaming of breaking into the pro gaming scene, April offers straightforward advice grounded in hard work and resilience.

"Analyse your games, work hard and keep playing," April urged.

"Losing is part of learning. No one is going to just win forever, so you've got to lose and learn, and then you're going to start winning."

Now, with his sights set firmly on Miami, April enters the World Final with maximum confidence: "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could win it."

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