Ononogbu aims for the soccer fields in Tokyo

JDR Stars FC’s Onyedikachi Ononogbu celebrated his first win against TS Galaxy on Saturday, during their GladAfrica Championship match on January 18.

The Pretoria-based side returned to their winning ways when they defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 at home over the weekend. Coming from a 1-all draw against University of Pretoria and a 1-0 defeat against Moroka Swallows, JDR Stars had to bag this win to keep its dreams of playing at the end season promotional play-offs.

Although Ononogbu has strong Nigerian roots, the 23-year-old winger is eligible to represent his country of birth – South Africa. Born in Johannesburg to a South African mother and a Nigerian father, Ononogbu realised his long-held dream when he was called-up to the u-23 Chan squad.

The Ivory Park-born star recently joined the Pretoria-based JDR Stars after serving two seasons with the Limpopo-based Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila F.C ( TTM).

Ononogbu said he enjoys football, gaining experience in the professional level and hopes to get more national calls to represent the country.

“I am grateful for the opportunities before me so far. I believe I have seen what hard work results to. Since I am in Gauteng, I believe that I’ll be easily recognised and might get that call to represent South Africa in Tokyo.

“I joined JDR Stars because together we can grow into greater heights. I am willing to play my part, put more work and make sure we get results. Who knows? We might get a place in the play-offs by the end of the season.

“I got a national team recognition which is what I always wished for and I played in the round of 16 Nedbank Cup and even played the play-offs in my first season with TTM,” said Ononogbu.

He was one of 10 GladAfrica Championship players who have been called-up by SA u-23 coach David Notoane.

For Ononogbu, representing South Africa has been high up on his wish list since he came through the ranks via the famed Stars of Africa Academy and the third division side of Baberwa FC.

Ononogbu said it came as a surprise to get Notoane’s call to join the u-23 squad, but he was really happy and proud of himself because he had put more effort in training, which showed in the field.

“Many people still believe I am from Nigeria, but I was born in Johannesburg and grew up in Ivory Park.

“I am really excited at the prospect of playing for the national team. TTM has given me the platform to work towards ticking off my life goals,” Ononogbu said.

“Now that I have received a call-up to the national team, I see this as an opportunity to never let it go and I will work my way into coach David Notoane’s Olympic squad.”

“With JDR Stars, it’s going to be more hard work to earn my rightful place in the team. But I am prepared to put 100 and 10 per cent to take the team to greater heights in the league. I am looking forward to what promises to be a great year,” said Ononogbu.

JDR Stars will soon face Jomo Cosmos in an away match before playing home against Richards Bay and Royal Eagles.