Playing it forward is KZN-born midfielder's dream

Footballer Wanga Mbuyazwe idolises Cape Town City midfielder Thabo Nodada.

That’s because Mbuyazwe, 20, who matriculated last year, believes Nodada, from his hometown of Ixopo on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, represents what he can achieve in his life.

“I have always had a thing for football from a very young age, probably around eight years of age, and I have always believed I can become better in football like my role model Thabo and many other great football players.”

Due to financial reasons he had to take a gap year from school and find a way to keep himself out of harm’s way from the lure of the streets. This led him to football.

The keen player from Kas’lami football club, who joined 160 other avid football fans, was named player of the tournament in the third annual Thabo Nodada top 8 football championship hosted at the Jeffrey Zungu sports field on the south coast on June 16.

“It’s a big privilege and motivation to play in these tournaments organised by our very own superstar. It was such a great event, and to be named player of the tournament was a dream come true.”

“My game has improved greatly as a result of competing in such events. I've learnt how to take responsibility in one-on-one situations and how to act like a winger off the ball. But the most important thing I've taken away from these games and events is that you have to be grateful to fight through to the finish,” said Mbuyazwe.

Nodada, 29, said despite the challenges of limited resources and opportunities in his hometown, Mbuyazwe's talent and determination shone through.

Benni McCarthy once compared Nodada to former France and Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kanté.

His breakthrough into professional soccer came when he joined Mpumalanga Black Aces. His exceptional skills and work ethic quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to his promotion to the senior team in 2016.

A passion for the sport and community upliftment and the need to celebrate local talent on a day dedicated to the youth of his hometown is what prompted him to start the annual soccer tournament in partnership with Khula Mzansi, a foundation created to give children in need of a platform to showcase their skills.

“This tournament is more than just a soccer competition; it’s a beacon of hope and inspiration for young boys in the community.”

“Together with Khula Mzansi we allow the kids to showcase their skills and foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. This event is not merely about winning trophies but about instilling values of teamwork, discipline and perseverance. Each year, teams from various parts of the region compete, bringing together the community in a celebration of sport and youth empowerment,” said Nodada.

“I believe in creating an opportunity to grow and become their potential selves. Children are the future and we are aiming to assist with their development and growth, to become the best that they wish to be through educational and sports programmes.”

Nodada said they hoped to hone the finest talent in the district and grow sponsorship and investment in the area.

“We have a five-year goal to have qualification rounds throughout the Harry Gwala District to find the best teams for the one-day bonanza. We believe this will attract investment to create permanent structures that directly influence the running of local teams and increase the sharing of information around football development,” said Nodada.

Lungelo Mthethwa, 30, one of the founders of Khula Mzansi Foundation, said: “What inspired a tournament like this was the rich culture of football in Ixopo which had started to fade away. It came to us that we need to remind people in and around Ixopo about the talent we have. As much as it has no age restriction, the main aim is to bring football players and lovers of the game together to enjoy football and celebrate Youth Day together.”

The foundation has a long-term goal that involves mentoring and life skills workshops. It has raised funds and donated school uniform to students in need.

“With the awareness created through football development, we are hoping stakeholders will invest in the overall wellbeing of kids and will reach out, and we will be able to do more.

“There are many tournaments hosted throughout the year in KwaZulu-Natal, but none of them have been in Ixopo. Having this annual tournament gives players that play at a professional level a chance to play in front of their home fans and an opportunity for youngsters to play against their role models as well,” Mthethwa said.