Football can change one’s life in a split second but to get to that level requires a commitment to complement the talent as the latter can not open doors for you alone. There are challenges that one encounter in the game and they can build you and break you. Simnikiwe Mbonde is a true reflection that if you persevere and keep your eye on the target, nothing can break you. The Youngster hails from a small town called Addo, which is situated just 72 kilometres outside Port Elizabeth.
“Eto’o” as he is known joined Mamelodi Sundowns Youth Academy in May 2019 after being scouted and he has shown growth in his football career and is part of the Dstv Diski Challenge squad.
“I grew up in a family that is filled with love, my parents made means to make sure that we get everything that we wanted and where I am now it is because of them, they have supported me in everything that I have done in football. I have had my ups and downs in the game but that has made me strong. I still remember when I signed for the club, my mother was so happy as she had been praying for me to take a break and now I want to make sure that I repay her by pushing all the way and live my dream to be a professional player”.
Mbonde is part of the DStv Diski team and has hopes and dreams to play in the big leagues one day, but first on his radar is to make it to the senior team.
“Being part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Youth Academy is a huge honour for me, as you know that this is a big team and being part of it shows that you have something that needs to be polished so that one can go and represent the club at senior level. I can tell you know that the players that are here all have the same dream and that makes one not to relax and must focus and be determined all the time because you never know. Being part of the Diski team is an opportunity for me to showcase my talent because the league gives you exposure to the senior coaches and I hope very soon I will be part of the first team”, said ‘Eto’o’.
