FOR soccer enthusiast, Mthobisi Ngwenya, the sport has played a crucial part of his upbringing and his identity.
Ngwenya, 26, of Montclair, is the captain of the Montclair Ramblers Football Club(FC). His current positions are centre-back and defensive midfielder.
Ngwenya, who works in the shipping industry, said he grew up in a home where everyone loved to watch and play soccer.
“I remember my older brothers, friends and I would watch soccer on TV with the family. We would then go outside and try our best to imitate what we had seen on TV.
I also played for my primary school’s team. When I was in Grade 8, I went for trials at AmaZulu FC, and was selected for under 15 development. It was during those years that my love and passion for soccer really grew and shaped me into the young man I am today,” he said.
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Ngwenya said after high school, he went on to play for his university’s soccer team, and after graduating, joined his current club in 2019.
“I have always juggled school and soccer, and now I juggle work and soccer. However, the game is a crucial part of my identity and upbringing,” he said.
The father of one, said there were many benefits that came with playing soccer.
“Sometimes it is not only the love for the game, but what it can do for you. It is an escape from life’s hardships, a way of keeping sane. It is also where you meet strangers that turn into brothers. It is where differences are put aside and we are all equal, race, age and wealth doesn’t matter, just the common basis of understanding of the game,” he said.
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Ngwenya said his core values for soccer don’t differ much from his life values, which are commitment, respect, effort and fun.
“Commitment means always showing up even on days you don’t feel like it. Respect is crucial, you must have it for yourself, teammates and coaches. Effort is all about trying your best in whatever you do and what is required from you.
“Most of all, you must have fun, no matter how things are you should always try to have fun. I have found that things become a little easier once you start enjoying them,” he said.
Ngwenya said while soccer helps a person keep fit, build strong and sound relationships with people from different backgrounds, it also requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
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“We are trying our best to compete to win our league, so this requires sacrifice and commitment from all involved in the team. We work extremely hard on our fitness. Sometimes we are a little hard on each other at training but this is all to make things a lot easier come match day. In this team we fight for one another, which is why opponents find it very difficult to beat us,” he said.
Ngwenya, who is inspired by Portuguese professional footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo said he encouraged people, especially the youth to participate in sport.
“It keeps you away from doing bad things, such as consuming alcohol or drugs. It is also a stress reliever from whatever you are facing in your life,” he said.
Ngwenya said anyone wanting to join the team is more than welcome to try out. He said new players are required to come from Monday to be trialed.
Those interested in trying out for the team, can attend one of their training sessions held from Monday to Friday, at the Montclair sports ground (opposite Montclair Mall), from 16:30 to 18:30. Mondays to Fridays.
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