A PSL star has named the late Kaizer Chiefs’ dribbling wizard Emmanuel ‘Scara’ Ngobese as his role model.
‘The Black Jesus’ as Ngobese was affectionately known for his dribbling skills during his playing days, doing his best for Amakhosi under the late coach Ted Dumitru.
The left-footed attacking midfielder, who represented Bafana Bafana once, died after suffering from tuberculosis [TB] in May 2010, just days before the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Ngobese embodied the magic of SA football and donned the famous number 11 jersey. The former attacker played a pivotal role in Chiefs’ back-to-back league triumphs under Dumitru in the 2003/4 and 2004/5 seasons.
He entertained fans and gave defenders sleepless nights with his tricky, silky skills and 90-degree turns on the ball. However, some criticised him for showboating as he had crowds on their feet with his shibobos, tsamayas, and ‘show-me-your-number’ skills.
BLACKBERRY NKALA NAMES THE LATE SCARA NGOBESE AS HIS ROLE MODEL
In a chat with FARPost, Motsepe Foundation Championship side, JDR Stars midfielder Xolani Nkala, revealed that Ngobese is his inspiration.
‘Blackberry’, as the player is known, is also most famed for his showboating skills, like the late Ngobese.
“Amongst all the players who I like, Scara Ngobese comes first. He was a top player. I feel like I can play like him,” Nkala said.
“I think I showcase a playing style like him, though he was exceptional. But I believe one day, I can reach that level. I believe I can be one of the best players in South Africa.
“I appreciate him for being that kind of player. He has shown people that we can contribute a lot with our style of play.”
DSTV PREMIERSHIP BLACKBERRY’S DREAM TEAM
“I have always wished to play for Kaizer Chiefs, and it’s also because my role model played for the team. Although I support the Orlando Pirates,” Nkala revealed.
“And I think my style of play fits for Chiefs. Remember, Ngobese was given a chance to play the way he liked. One another thing is that Chiefs are very professional.”
Nkala started his professional career at Mbombela United in the 2017/2018 Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign.
This came after he impressed in one of the DStv Champ of Champs editions, playing for a well-known Soweto team, AT Mambas FC.
The 27-year-old has also featured for Tshakhuma Tsha Madivhandila in the PSL.
Story by Clifton Mabasa
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