Sputla develops soccer talent
Zebulon Nhlapho formed his soccer team to discover and polish the soccer talent that exists in the townships
The former Kaizer Chiefs’ wing and middlefield player, Zebulon “Sputla” Nhlapho says he will do whatever it takes to ensure that soccer does not die in the townships.
The KwaThema’s White City section resident, Sputla, joined Kaizer Chiefs at the age of 17 and was known on the field for 13 years until his retirement in 1993.
He says, being raised by a father who was involved in soccer, at the age of 8 he realised that he also wanted to become a soccer star.
He played for the Springs Home Sweepers FC under coach Joseph Mkhonza, the former Banyana-banyana coach, until he was 16 years old.
In 2006 Sputla formed his own soccer team, the Sputla Stars that has different age groups.
His teams consist of the U/10, U/15 and the senior team.
“I want to ensure that the townships continue to give birth to the best and internationally known soccer stars that will one day come and plough back into the communities where they come from,” says Sputla.
He says his boys are between seven and 18 years old.
Sputla says, because he wants to give a brighter future to the young stars as his coach did for him, he started the team out of his own pocket.
To thank and honour the Sweepers for giving him the opportunity that landed him in one of the biggest PSL teams, Sputla is using the team’s maroon and gold colours for his own team.
He says, despite the challenges that he comes across, he will not give up trying to discover, develop and promote the soccer talent portrayed by the young soccer stars on the pitch.
Sputla thanked all those who have been there for him, supporting him by providing transport for his boys to different games and ensuring that his boys have soccer kits, including soccer balls.
“Working together in developing the youth means working towards building a brighter tomorrow for them,” believes Sputla.
