Njabulo Manqana: I’m Ready for a New Challenge

Any footballer can kick a ball, but it takes a special kind to understand the science behind doing so. Often that’s the line between good and great. In SA, you can’t mention the latter without including a goal scored in the 90th minute of a 6-0 drubbing Ajax suffered at the hands of Abafana Bes’thende on the 24th of October 2009 at Orlando Stadium. The wondergoal still has people questioning the intention of the player 11 years later. “My aim definitely was to score. I was the only player in the 18 area and I knew if I chipped the keeper, the momentum would force the ball to go in the direction of the goal posts” remarked Ntuzuma born, former Golden Arrows winger Njabulo Manqana as he takes me through the journey of his career.

“I will always appreciate what the late Rocky Madlala did for me. He was the one who brought me to Arrows from Royal Coastal (Development team) and left me in the capable hands of coach Ngomane [coach of the reserve side]. I was convinced there was something unique about me when I found myself playing amongst the likes of Khuboni, the Henyekane brothers and ‘Gandaganda’ [Thamsanqa Gabuza],” he added.

“We played 2 friendlies against the 1st team and we beat them on both occasions. That’s when Khabo [Zondo] knew Mr Madlala had assembled a great feeder side. The core of that squad would go on to win the MTN 8 final after being promoted to the senior team” – Manqana. Picture courtesy of Goal

The skillful winger never got ample time to build a relationship with Khabo Zondo after being promoted to the senior team as he was replaced by his then assistant, Manqoba Mngqithi, due to lack of desired results. It was under the tutelage of Manqoba he would realize his full potential - Manqana played a pivotal role under his guidance and was almost always guaranteed a starting berth.

“Coach Manqoba was more of a father figure to me. I get emotional whenever I think of the time I spent under his mentorship – I learned so much. He never felt the need to restrict a player from expressing himself and would always encourage me to take players on cos he understood that I liked dribbling. I knew he would do something great for the team, so when we reached the MTN 8 final I had a very strong feeling the moment had arrived… It was difficult having to leave his team for a challenge at one of the bigger clubs in the country [Orlando Pirates],” he continued.

“In the short time I spent at Pirates, I never really got a change to settle in the team. If you remember, Julio Leal was the coach when I arrived and was later replaced by Augusto Palacios. It takes time to adapt to a coach’s philosophy and considering that he had already built a connection with some of the players at

the club’s development, I found it tough to break into the starting XI,” – Manqana. Picture courtesy of Soccer Laduma

“Not all were lows though as the minimum role I played contributed to the team’s success. I have the Telkom Cup and league championship medals. I’ll always cherish those. Not many players were presented with that opportunity in life,”

“Leaving the team was never going to be easy as it is every footballer’s dream to make an impact at a big club. I somehow felt disappointed, but I knew it was something I had to do at that moment. I afforded myself the opportunity to start again and with the benefit of hindsight, I’m grateful I did. The move to AmaZulu allowed me to be closer to my family. I loved the setup and it showed on the field of play,”

“Currently I keep fit by training with the youth in my community. Whenever I get a chance, I organise games for them. It helps take their minds off daily challenges and allows them the opportunity to showcase their talent. I keep telling them to always play at their best because they’ll never know when a scout is watching,”

One could argue that at age 33 the dribbling wizard still has at least a couple of seasons left in his legs, but he was quick to dismiss the notion as he politely pointed out that he is ready to embrace life beyond his playing days.

“Football has allowed me to express myself and become a better person in the process. The good and the bad, were all part of the journey. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. What I would appreciate now, is for the sport to give me an opportunity to plough back. I’m ready for a new challenge and I think there’s a lot a can offer the youth, more especially at my former club [Arrows].” – concluded Manqana.

Written by @UncappedGuluva