Out-of-favour Siyabonga Mbatha has explained what keeps him going during arguably the toughest period of his professional career.
Mbatha has been relegated to the bench since rejoining Golden Arrows from KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu back in July 2021.
The bully goalkeeper, Mbatha, is yet to make any official appearance for Arrows, a club where he cut his teeth in South Africa’s topflight 13 years ago.
Mbatha has seen little game time for the last two seasons, and the goalminder has admitted that the lack of minutes has affected him mentally.
However, the former AmaZulu captain, Mbatha says his family, especially his children, keeps him going.
WHAT KEEPS MBATHA GOING
“Every footballer wants to play; not playing is the most difficult thing to deal with,” Mbatha, whose’s contract with Abafana Besithende ends in June 2023. told FARPost.
“But I have never been someone who gives up in life. I just need to work hard and wait for my chance.
“Unfortunately, I am getting closer to my retirement, so if people say ‘wait for your chance’, at 33 years old, it becomes hard because at this age you are always ready to play at any given time.
“I have done well in my career, and I do not think Arrows would’ve signed me, if I was not good enough and did not attract interest from other cl; I that wanted me before joining Arrows”.
“My kids keep me strong, I owe them happiness, a good education and life. My mom and my siblings keep me strong too; they understand my struggles and give reason to smile,” he added.
Mbatha believes he is at an age where he should be playing at the highest level regularly.
Although he remains optimistic, Mbatha has described the current period of non-activity as the worst in his career.
MBATHA PREPARES FOR LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL
“It is unfortunate that I am not playing at this age; it leaves me with decisions; things are not going my way,” said Mbatha, who has made over 75 appearances in the Premiership.
“But the only thing I can work on stay focused. I am going through the worst time of my career, and I do not think there is a professional player that can stay for two years with not playing in an official match and be good mentally.
“My supporters have been with me throughout, and every day they give me words of support, encouraging me to keep fighting. I appreciate them, and it keeps me going.”
Mbatha is already preparing for life after football as he was one of the graduations at the 2022 PSL Player Transition Programme on Monday.
MBATHA GRADUATES
He, among other stars such as Itumeleng Khune Sbusiso Vilakazi, Innocent Maela, Linda Mntambo, Vincent Pule, Zitha Kwinika, Mlungisi Mbujana, Musa Nyatama, just to mention a few, were honoured at the Gordon Institute of Business Science in Johannesburg,
Mbatha believes the business certificate he earned will come in handy in the near future as he only has a few years left at pro level.
“The fact that I was consistent with my work, without anyone putting pressure on me. I’m very proud, and I think this course will help me,” he declared.
“They gave us great tools to equip us in preparing for life after football. “It shows that we can do anything with proper focus.
“I have always prepare myself for life after football. This course came at a moment when I needed some assistance on my journey of starting life after football.”
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