Vuyisile Wana shares his football struggles, lessons learnt

Veteran forward Vuyisile Wana has opened up about the struggles in his football career that nearly made him quit.

Wana is one of the new signings at Limpopo Motsepe Foundation Championship side Magesi FC.

The 35-year-old joined Magesi from Hungry Lions, where he spent his time last season.

During his career that began in 2009 at Roses United, Wana has played for clubs including Santos, Moroka Swallows, Mangaung Unite and Bloemfontein Celtic.

Speaking to FARPost during his unveiling as a Magesi player this week, Wana shared some of the pains he had to endure and why he never quit.

“The moment my contract was cancelled there (at Swallows in 2014), it was tough and frustrating. I returned to the ABC Motsepe League to regain my confidence, and I think I came back strong,” he said.

How Challenges shaped him mentally

“Mentally, if I was someone else, I was going to retire and say I don’t want to play football anymore, but there are a lot of people who believed in me and pushed me every day until I got where I am right now.

“After playing for Celtic, I was frustrated, and I didn’t know who to talk to, but one lady came to me, the owner of Mangaung Unite. But everything now is fine, and I think I am happy and enjoying my football again,” added Wana, who hails from Odendaalsrus in the Free State.

Lessons learned in his career

“Do not take things for granted when you get an opportunity, which is why you have to enjoy the moment and the journey because there are many things happening in life. There are a lot of players who want the same opportunity, and everything you do, you have to take seriously, starting from training.”

On joining Magesi FC

“It’s a privilege to be here. Coach Jackie (Ledwaba) is the one who called, and I came straight here. I didn’t have any doubts, and everything is going well. We were stumbling when the season started, but everything is coming week because we are gelling.

“I would say now, the way I am playing; I am leading the young ones who look up to me because it’s me who is supposed to score for them. With my experience, I have to guide them daily,” he concluded.