Buthelezi is a true #10
Diego Maradona, Pele, Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, not to mention Mzansi’s very own Jomo Sono, are only a few of the world’s most famous wearers of Jersey No 10s.
In the game of soccer certain jersey numbers have unofficial connotations.
For example, #9 and #11 are generally strikers, #7 is frequently a winger and #1 is usually the goalie; while the central midfield playmaker is #10.
Jersey No 10 is probably the most desired on the pitch, and Kwatsaduza is cultivating a few of its own playmakers.
Mzwandile Buthelezi (13) is one such player.
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Affectionately known by teammates and fans as ‘Gift’, the boy is said to be something special.
Banele Ndwalane (19), coach of Focus FA’s U-13s, says that Gift is a genius.
“He plays ‘brain football’. He is not like his peers. It’s like, before he even gets the ball he knows exactly what to do with it.”
Ndwalane say that Gift stood out from the first practice session that he had after joining the club a few months ago.
• Also read: Local team needs more soccer coaches
On the pitch, a playmaker is the one player who controls the flow of the team’s offensive play.
He creates chances for the strikers, and often scores many goals himself.
“He has vision, technique, ball control, creativity, and passing ability,” added Ndwalane.
Gift scored a total of five goals when Focus FA slayed Home Defenders 11-0.
The coach explained that Gift also created chances for the other players to score on the day.
Judging by the reaction of the crowd every time the boy had his boot on the ball, it seems like there is a star among us.
