SEDIBENG.- Siyabonga Ndebele is the latest young star from the Vaal to make headlines in top-flight football.

This youngster gave a five-star performance against Megasi in the Nedbank Cup at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night. The young defender made his impressive professional debut and earned himself a Man of the Match Award.

He was playing as a left centre-back dealing with every situation when his team found themselves under attack. United is through to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after beating Magesi 2-0. Ndebele was outstanding at the back and marveled to watch, marshaling the defense like a seasoned defender. He started his amateur football career with Vaal Juventus FC, which is campaigning in the Safa Sedibeng Hollywood Bets Regional Men’s League.

The team has produced a number of players who are now playing in top-flight football. Thapelo Maseko from Mamelodi Sundowns is one of the players who came through Juventus FC ranks. This was a proud moment for Siyabonga’s former coach, Isaac Mphasane who witnessed his development from the early stages of his football career.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Mphasane said he was proud to see one of his players making a debut in top-flight football.

Mphasane said he has known Siyabonga since the age of 13 and he was promoted to the Emfuleni Super League’s Super League at the age of 15. As if this was not enough, Siyabonga was probably one of the youngest to play in the SAB League at the age of 16. This was after Juventus was promoted to the SAB League.

“I’m happy for Siya because I know how badly he wanted this. I remember after Mamelodi Sundowns released him, I spoke to SuperSport United and they invited him for assessment and the rest is history. As Vaal Juventus Football Club we are very proud of Siya and he is a motivation to other youngsters to never give up on their dreams,” said Mphasane.

Siyabonga had a short stint with Orlando Pirates development before joining Sundowns development.

CAPTION: Siyabonga Ndebele is another exciting talent to come from Vaal. Photo: Supplied.