Soccer star keeps his mind busy with home exercises
According to Gcinilizwe, football used to keep him fit and strong as they had training sessions on weekdays.
Since the suspension of all sporting codes matches and training sessions to curb the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, others have developed home training as a result.
Like the 21-year-old soccer star Banele Gcinilizwe from Ivory Park Extension Nine who says he keeps his mind occupied with home exercises.
He wakes as early as 6am to do his home-based exercises; he does squats, push-ups, and planks, among other exercises to keep fit.
Soon after that he hits the road as he is an essential worker during lockdown. However, he adds that these exercises helps him to keep fit and active the whole day.
According to Gcinilizwe, football used to keep him fit and strong as they had training sessions on weekdays.
He started playing football since he was five years old in the dusty streets of his home town, Ivory Park.
“I started playing for my first amateur team African Young Boys FC, which was well known in the area. They recruited young boys from the streets and developed their talents.
“I have won several medals and trophies with the team since joining them. We never played for any league games as we were not affiliated to one at that time.
“I remember my first medal. We were playing against Laduma Strikers during which the tournament was titled the Top 8 Knockout at Kopanong Sports Grounds.”
At first he played his first position as a goalkeeper, but over the years he changed positions to being a defender and currently as a striker.
Though the African Young Boys FC was like hom, the team’s coach and founder hung up his boots and so the players were set free.
“After our coach left we had to find other teams to play for and Ivory Mighty Stars was born then.
“Since joining Mighty Stars Sports Academy I have grown as a player because the hunger and passion to keep playing the sport has kept burning. I could say I have learnt new tricks and fundamental basics a player should know to play in the bigger leagues of the country.
“Our biggest achievements would be coming second at the Midrand Local Football Association (MLFA) League in the previous season and winning the leagues end season top 8 tournament.”
The young energetic striker keeps his head up in the hopes that one day he would be able to showcase his football talents at bigger stages like the GladAfrica Championship or the ABSA Premiership league (PSL).
“Playing for one of the big teams in South Africa would be a dream come true; I would like to play for Kaizer Chiefs as I am its number one fan from childhood.
“My football continues to be inspired by the likes of the legendary Scara Ngobese, Jimmy Tau, Simphiwe Tshabalala, Doctor Khumalo and the likes.”
Gcinilizwe continues with morning exercises for a mental boost while patiently waits for the league to resume.
