A young football star, Mbekezeli Duncan Ngubani (14), is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
This talented versatile youngster from Schoemansdal currently plays for Siyadlala Football Academy in the Forek U17 Development League as a defensive middle-fielder and an excellent right-back.
His mother, Kiki Mazibuko, said his love of football was evident from quite a tender age and his passion is visible both on and off the pitch.
“He played in Grade One at his previous school, Matsamo Primary, and has collected five medals for his exceptional performances in matches, but initially started playing from the age of three when he asked that I buy him a soccer ball. He played with his friends in the streets and hasn’t looked back since. He used to charge his friends 50c each to play with his ball. I did not take his passion seriously until he got to Matsamo Primary where he showcased real, raw talent. He used to disappear during the day on weekends to go and watch the games at the nearby sports ground,” she said.
Mbekezeli played for the Matsamo Primary School U13 boys’ team, who were the victors of the Nkomazi Mayoral Sports Development Cup in 2022.
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“He joined Siyadlala Football Academy during their trial season. He has even travelled to Spain for assessment trials so that he improves his football skills and becomes one of the best. However, this would not have been possible without the support of community stakeholders such as the Nkomazi Local Municipality and individuals from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government who paid for his boot camps when I had no money. I believe that him being able to play football is because of the support we have received, ” she said.
His coach from Siyadlala Football Academy, Lwazi Mhlongo, said he is one of the greatest players in the academy. “The young man loves the game and he is quite patient with it, as his name signifies. What also makes him a great player is his open-mindedness. Given the time for growth, he will be a valuable professional in no time,” Mhlongo said.
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Mbekezeli dreams of becoming a player in South Africa’s ultimate league, the Premier Soccer League, and eventually becoming a internationally recognised football star.
