Siyabonga Sangweni thankful to uMfolozi Municipality

Orlando Pirates player and Dondotha native in KwaMthethwa Siyabonga Sangweni says the three day sports tournament honoured in his name by uMfolozi Municipality from 19 -21 June 2015 has already produced quality players worthy to play in the Premier Soccer League.

Sangweni said in the past three years many young footballers have been scouted by various teams in the soccer leagues and are now getting the grooming they need for a brighter future. “I know that there is a lot of talent in this area and through this tournament they get the chance to be noticed by the right people,” said Sangweni.

He continued that in the next tournament, he wants the cut of age for soccer players participating in the event to be 21, this he says will ensure that the tournament truly does produce young players who will have a better chance at getting offers from bigger clubs.

Nsimbi as he is affectionately known amongst his playmates and soccer lovers across the country, thanked honourable Mayor Smanga Mgenge for believing in him since he was a young man and approaching him to have a tournament of this calibre in KwaDondotha. “The Mayor and the community have always believed in me and raised me to be the man I am today, I want to do for the youth of my community what was done for me and that is to be given a chance to realise my dream,” said Sangweni.

The tournament which was started three years ago is growing every year and Mayor Mgenge said even national government wishes to take over the tournament. “The national department of sports wants to take over this tournament and have it take place in every province in the country, as much as we welcome this, we however do not want to lose the essence of the tournament which is to inspire the youth of  uMfolozi,” closed the Mayor.

Assistant Bucs coach Tebogo Moloi said Sangweni is a true leader who is doing good by giving back to his community, “Nsimbi is a true leader inside and outside of the soccer field, the fact that everyone wanted to come and join us here in KwaDondotha to support him, proves that he is an exceptionally gifted player, who is also humble and grounded,” said Moloi.