Mamelodi Sundowns’ development coach spotted at Mehlareng Stadium
This Centurion-based, is one of the Tembisa soccer legends who are entertaining football lovers and passing through soccer skills to youngsters at Mehlareng Stadium during the Tembisa Masters Social League games.
Michael Manzini is a soccer player who led Mamelodi Sundowns FC to win seven league titles from the start of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era in the 1996/97 season.
He started playing for the team in 1995 and only resigned in 2009 when he became one of the coaches at the Mamelodi Sundowns Academy.
Manzini was a courageous central defender recognised for his ability to generate chances not only for himself, but for his other team mates as well.
This Centurion-based player, is one of the Tembisa soccer legends who will entertain football lovers and pass over soccer skills to youngsters at Mehlareng Stadium during the Tembisa Masters Social League games.
Manzini who originally hails from Mpumalanga, started to play football on the streets at the age of nine. As a soccer star, he spent 14 years playing for Mamelodi Sundowns FC until he resigned after his knee injury.
He became famous in those years for being the best central-defence player at Mamelodi Sundowns. Nicknamed “Nsimbi”, he reached the peak of his football career when he was at varsity. He was scouted by Screamer Tshabalala and Trott Moloto while he was playing for the University of Limpopo and studying towards a Law degree.
“I loved football but I never thought I could play for a professional soccer team. It was when I was playing football at varsity that I received lots of praise and started to build more interest in the game,” said Manzini.
Manzini was inspired by his late brother, Joel, in the early 1980s.
“Football is more like a culture to me as I have to practise more often; it is more like a mental preparation. It has taught me to follow a proper structure, perform my duties and create understanding and trust. In order to become the best professional soccer player, you need to be organised and disciplined,” added Manzini. Manzini who still coaches for young development at Mamelodi Sundowns Academy, also plays for National FC under the Tembisa Masters Social League games.
“I love sharing my skills with the young ones at the academy and township – this helps me to keep fit. I am also playing for the Endenvale SAPS since volunteering to work with them on their campaign: “Sports against crime,” said Manzini.
When asked why he is so good at football, Manzini said he had extraordinary skills pertaining to passing, ball control, dribbles, vision, speed, reflexes and thinking under pressure. Manzini is a husband and father to three children – two boys and a girl.
Manzini intends to get to the top as a coach at PSL level – and beyond.
His message to young people is that they need to have a dream and must build strong, positive character.
“There are so many challenges in today’s generation especially with drugs, crime, alcohol and teenage pregnancy. Our youth need to be more considerate and have a strategy to work towards their dreams. They must never change their dreams,” said Manzini.
