VEREENIGING.- If his performance during the Academy Champ of Champ Cup is anything to go by, Njabulo Pingilili (15) is destined for a great future.

This young goalkeeper was outstanding and considered only three goals from six games. He was on top of his form making some brilliant saves including one-on-one situations as he stood between his team’s win and defeat. It came as no surprise when he was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his outstanding performance on the day. He reminds Sedibeng Ster Sports of former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Avril ‘Chawe’ Phali.

He has the same qualities as Phali especially being strong on the air and dealing with one-on-one situations.

He is a good reader of the game and always anticipated the danger of playing the sweep keeper role when his team was under pressure. His ball distributions were out of this world, especially on the counterattack. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Pingilili said his dream is to play in the Premier Soccer League for one of the big teams. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport his ambition is to play for the U17 National Team and in the future for Bafana Bafana.

When asked about his role model, his immediate response was: “Itu Khune is and will always be my favourite goalkeeper.” He told Sedibeng Ster Sports that he wants to follow in the footsteps of this former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper. Before the exams, Pingilile said he was training with the Kaizer Chiefs development as part of the Diski Challenge team goalkeepers.