The Inspiring Journey of a Young Commentator

In the world of soccer, the stakes extend far beyond the game itself. The story of Cliver Huamán Sánchez, a 16-year-old known as “Pol Deportes,” illustrates this perfectly. Driven by a dream, Cliver embarked on a remarkable journey from his hometown of Andahuaylas to narrate a high-profile match, capturing the attention of hundreds of thousands online.

A Dream in the Making

The young announcer traveled for 18 hours by bus with his brother Kenny and father Simeón to reach Lima, aiming to cover the Copa Libertadores final between Brazilian teams Flamengo and Palmeiras held in November at Lima’s Monumental Stadium. Although he couldn’t enter the stadium, Cliver didn’t let that deter him. Instead, he climbed a nearby hill with a view of the stadium and livestreamed the event on TikTok with his brother behind the camera, thrilling viewers around the globe.

From Humble Beginnings

Cliver’s journey into sports commentary began at just three years old. He recalls visiting the local radio station with his dad to share stories. By age eight, he was narrating games in Quechua while working on the family farm. However, he faced a significant hurdle: fear. After facing ridicule for his early narrations, Cliver stepped back for a year and a half, hesitant to face an audience again.

Overcoming Fear and Gaining Confidence

Despite his reservations, Cliver gradually built his confidence. Initially uneasy about being on camera, he preferred to have his brother film a wall while he narrated off-screen. Eventually, he made the leap, and stepping into the spotlight for his first livestream, he felt as stiff as a statue. At 13, he began contributing to a local media outlet, Pasión Deportiva Apurímac, and inspired by his brother Kenny, he launched his own platform, Pol Deportes.

Family Support: The Driving Force

Throughout his journey, Cliver found unwavering support from his family, particularly from Kenny. Now 19, Kenny left school to work in Lima, financing Cliver’s ambitions by paying for internet needed to stream their videos together. Cliver reflects on the long, arduous process it took to find his voice in sports narration, an experience that spanned over three to four years.

Community Encouragement

As Cliver’s videos gained traction, support from the Andahuaylas community poured in. Locals encouraged him to pursue his dream, leading him to say, “There are many people who believe in me. I need to fulfill their expectations and those of my family.” He fondly recalls his mother Lida’s motivational words in Quechua, urging him to chase his dreams—advice that transformed his mindset and solidified his commitment to journalism.

A Memorable Copa Libertadores Final

Before arriving in Lima for the Copa Libertadores final, Cliver and Kenny received bus tickets from their local government. They even broadcast a local game in their hometown, garnering local support for Cliver’s aspiration. “I took the mic and introduced myself as Pol Deportes, expressing my wish to cover the Libertadores final,” he shares.

Making It Happen from Afar

When they arrived in Lima, Cliver conducted interviews with enthusiastic fans, but was unable to enter the stadium due to police restrictions. Feeling dejected, he almost returned home but was encouraged by his brother to make it happen from a hilltop instead. Armed with a homemade tripod, support from his father as a commentator, and his brother behind the camera, Cliver went live, attracting nearly 10,000 viewers during the game’s second half.

A Dream Fulfilled in Madrid

Thanks to various supporters, including a Spanish presenter he admires, Cliver and his brother traveled to Madrid to experience a Champions League match at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. “It’s been an incredible experience,” Cliver beams, “I am grateful to everyone who helped me reach this point.” He even livestreamed for his fellow Peruvians, expressing pride in his heritage and happiness at being in Spain.

A Vision for the Future

As preparations for the game unfolded, Cliver shared his views on upcoming soccer events, highlighting Spain and Portugal as strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup. Upon returning to Peru, he plans to complete his high school education and pursue a degree in communications, with universities showing an interest in supporting his journey.

In the face of numerous challenges, Cliver maintains a clear vision for his future, deeply influenced by his parents’ values. When asked how he plans to achieve his dream of becoming a journalist, he simply replied, “With faith, consistency, hard work, and humility.”

Conclusion

Cliver Huamán Sánchez’s story is more than just about soccer; it’s a tale of resilience and determination. His journey highlights the power of support from family and community in overcoming obstacles and reaching dreams.

Key Takeaways

• Cliver’s journey exemplifies the influence of family support in achieving dreams.
• Overcoming fear and gaining confidence takes time and encouragement.
• Community support is vital in pursuing one’s aspirations.
• The journey to success is often filled with challenges that can be met with perseverance.