Vusi Moloi is a soccer player with nerves of steel.
This young man is hell-bent on becoming a professional football player.
He said he started playing the sport at a tender age and because of his love for the sport he hasn’t looked back.
“I was introduced to the sport by a neighbour and also had an opportunity to play for the Pirates development side,” said Moloi.
He said he did trial tests for Orlando Pirates Football Club’s development side but his family situation hindered his first opportunity to be part of the club.
“The club’s coach was impressed with the performance of three Tembisa trialists: myself, Lesedi Mafodi and the late Tsepo Bopape.”
He said he didn’t even get to train with the club because his mother was unemployed and unable to cover his transport fare.
“It felt very bad but I don’t blame my mother. I lost the opportunity and I told myself that another opportunity will come my way one day,” said Moloi.
He said he did stints for clubs in the ABC Motsepe League, formerly known as the Vodacom League, and also played in the Castle League.
During his football career Vusi sustained a knee injury which led to him taking a break.
Vusi doesn’t speak much of the previous clubs he played in because he has his eyes set on the bigger catch, namely clubs in the Premiere Soccer League.
“At the moment I am working with a reputable soccer agent and currently I am looking at clubs in the Multichoice Diski Challenge which is the reserve side for PSL,” said Vusi.
He said he loves playing soccer and it is what he wants to do for a living.
“If a young person loves the sport they must start participating as early as possible. Have friends who are into the same sport as you. If you hang out with the wrong people they will give you wrong advice,” he said.
He said sport can take a person out of poverty.
“Once you succeed through the sport, you then get payed and you are therefore able to change your family situation.”
He said people who succeed in sport must not forget where they came from.
“Sport is a short-lived career and once you get a chance don’t focus on money but focus on making sure that you build your brand. Commercial brands that identify with your personal brand as a sportsman will provide sponsorship,” he said.
He said once they make it they need to respect their job.
“Forget about fun, booze and friends but focus on your career”.
He said young people must work hard in whatever they do.
