Local freestyle footballer breaks Guinness World Record

Johannesburg - The Johannesburg Stadium was the scene for an exhilarating day of drama created by Heineken SA and local freestyle footballer, Khris Njokwana, who stepped up to the challenge of breaking the Guinness World Record title for the highest altitude football dropped and controlled.

The former Guinness World Record title holder for the highest altitude football dropped and controlled was football star and Arsenal forward, Theo Walcott, who set the bar at a staggering 34 metres high.

HOW IT ALL WENT DOWN:

The ball would be dropped from a crane 37.4 metres from the ground. The legendary ball juggler would have to trap and control it within a maximum of five touches without the ball touching the ground.

"A soccer ball is hard enough to control when dropped from 2 or 3 metres high, but 37.4 metres is a whole new level" said former Everton and Bafana Bafana star Steven Pienaar who was there to support Khris.

With the first two attempts being unsuccessful, the weight of expectation was heavy on Khris's shoulders and with his right leg shaking, He called for the third and final ball to be dropped. He chose the perfect moment, as his thigh made contact with the ball. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 touches - the Langa born freestyler had done it! He had written his name into the record books.

Drama? Without a doubt!

"I have dreamt about a moment like this since I started playing football as a youngster, I can't believe it. I am now a world record holder", he said.

Heineken South Africa and Khris Njokwana now hold the Guinness World Record title for the highest altitude football dropped and controlled.

(Photos: Stills by Tom)