Soccer captain sets season goals

Amajuba United’s influential captain, Sboniso Ngobese is optimistic about his team’s chances in upcoming competitions.

The captain and defender, also known as Dambayi, believes his side has what it takes to make the grade, in the next season of the SAFA KwaZulu-Natal ABC Motsepe League, which resumes this week.

In the last season, the oSizweni-based side finished 10th of 17 teams.

Despite a positive start and losing momentum as the season progressed, Amajuba United is the only side in this district to campaign in the country’s second division.

Coach, Mondli Sithebe is a notable development trainer in Newcastle.

Under his guidance, Mr Ngobese has become a key player for Amajuba United, and was an outstanding player despite the team failing to contend the championship.

“In this season, we are determined to double our efforts to help the team do even better, and challenge for the league championship, as we did three seasons ago when we represented KZN at the national play-offs in Gauteng,” said the 24-year-old, who has spent three seasons with United.

“I think with the current squad we have, comprised of players part of the team last season and a few new faces, we have what it takes to compete this season.”

Born and bred in the rural village of Spookmill Farm near Dannhauser, Mr Ngobese was 13 when he began with local amateur side, Simunye FC, under the tutelage of owner-coach, Sbongiseni Chagwe.

He then joined the now-defunct Dangerous Darkies, before being snatched up by United.

As a talent soccer player from the rural area, where there is little exposure and no good facilities, he has worked his way to captaincy of the team.

“My dream is to see myself in the PSL, following in the footsteps of other homeboys from Dannhauser, like Khethukuthula Zwane, Siphelele Hleleni and Mxolisi Kunene. However, my main focus in this upcoming season is to help my team challenge for the championship and into the national play-offs, and possibly gain a promotion to the First Division.”

He added coaches, Thokozani Masondo, Smart Ndlovu and Doctor Mkhonza were most influential.

As a team, United has produced two professional players in recent years, including Sifiso Hlanti and Dumisani Zwane, for AmaZulu and Mpumalanga Black Aces respectively.

This proves the side is a good platform for talented youngsters to reach the next level.

The ABC Motsepe League serves as a feeder league to the National First Division, and underwent a name-change in 2014, after the Motsepe Foundation signed a R40-million deal with SAFA.

Foundation namesake, Patrice Motsepe is the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Comprised of nine provincial leagues, teams which advance in the Motsepe League go into the national play-offs, with the top two teams promoted to the First Division.

This is one step from competing in the Premier Soccer League.