Bafana Tshabalala finds fulfillment in soccer
“Lekwa City FC shared their impressive vision of bringing back soccer to the community, which I fully support,” Bafana said.
The midfielder of Lekwa City FC, Bafana Petros Tshabalala, has certainly been around the block.
Bafana has been playing for the home team since January after returning to Standerton, having comprehensive experience notches to his belt.
The former learner of Thuto-Thebe Secondary School played for a Sakhile team first and then the city’s bright lights beckoned, with Johannesburg’s Platinum Stars FC the destination.
He was spotted at the Standerton Show Grounds training for All Nation FC, and finally one of the selected players to join their academy.
His skills were honed from 2003 to 2011 and he represented Mpumalanga in the U/17s Coco-Cola-competition.
Platinum Stars FC in the meantime promoted him to the first team.
Bafana has also participated in the leagues of the South African Premier Division (PSL), a dream come true and National First Division (NFD).
The African continent merited a visit and he arrived in Maputo, Mozambique for a three-month-stint.
A trip to London was on the cards in 2008 for Platinum’s clashes against Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham.
“It was the experience of a lifetime,” Bafana remembered.
With a name like Bafana, the national U/20s made a spot for him as well.
His contract with the PSL expired, was not renewed and Standerton could reap the benefits from his experience on his return in February last year.
“Lekwa City FC shared their impressive vision of bringing back soccer to the community, which I fully support,” Bafana said.
The team has not lost a single match this season and he attributed it to their way of preparing for games.
“What is done at training, is used in matches.”
They train twice daily and would probably make use of the gymnasium once Covid-19 regulations have eased. The camaraderie among the players could be a factor as well.
“We are brothers that encourage one another,” he added.
The dream of one day playing for Bafana Bafana, is definitely alive and well.
“Soccer is fulfilling and is my life,” the sportsman concluded.
