AmaZulu FC youngster Aphiwe “Dli” Buthelezi has spoken out after being selected as the Bayern Youth Cup MVP in Germany.
Buthelezi, who hails from KwaMashu in Durban, plays as a left-winger and an attacking midfielder. The 15-year-old was leading Nqabakazulu High School as a captain in the U/16 Bayern Cup in August in Durban.
Even though his side lost to Qhilika High School in the final, he did well enough to be included in the 10-men Team South Africa that jetted off to Germany to participate with different countries on a global stage.
He was chosen to wear the armband for Team SA and went on to bring about eye-catching displays in Munich. He then secured a Most Valuable Player title in the tournament and earned a spot in the 2024 FC Bayern World Squad.
Buthelezi says he was surprised when his name was picked as the jewel in the crown taking into account a number of players who were also impressive during the tournament.
BUTHELEZI SAYS HE WAS SURPRISED WHEN CHOSEN AS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
“I also did not expect it because there were a lot of players who did well, I was also shocked,” Buthelezi told Isolezwe.
“But I was happy to be a Player of the Tournament and with my performance throughout the whole tournament. But still, I was surprised that I was the best player in the tournament.
“Next year, I am going to be part of the team [Bayern World Squad] when they play a 10-day tournament that will be in Germany and another one for 20 days that will be in different countries.
“But me, I will be part of their U/19 team. We are going to play with the likes of Spain, England and other countries.”
Usuthu youngster revealed they had an opportunity to see the first-team players of the Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich.
‘I SAW KANE, MUSIALA, SANE AND NEUER’
“I saw Harry Kane, Musiala, Leroy Sane, Manuel Neuer but I didn’t get a chance to speak to them,” he added.
Buthelezi says he took away some important lessons while in Germany. He believes they are going to help him grow as he looks to make it professional in football.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that SA football is way different from what he experienced in Europe in a short time he spent there.
“I learnt that in football you must be disciplined, and respect the people that you live with. And the fact that European football is way different from ours. They stick more to the basics and they pass the ball around a lot.”
Having returned to SA, Buthelezi has already trained with the first team of AmaZulu. They are preparing to face Chippa United in the DStv Premiership on Saturday.
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