‘Why I’m different from Skhwama’ – Baroka dribbling wizard

Former AT Mambas dribbling wizard Mthokozisi ‘Dancing Confidence’ Ndali has explained why his game is different from similar players such as Xolani ‘Blackberry’ Nkala and Tshepo ‘Skhwama sama Tariyana’ Matete who have failed to make an impact in the PSL.

Ndali has signed his first professional contract with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC.

He follows in the footsteps of other Kasi tournament sensations like Nkala and Matete. Both Nkala and Matete have had opportunities at PSL clubs but could not live up to expectations. Matete was also signed by Betway Premiership side Chippa United.

The 24-year-old Ndali says football fans should brace themselves for a different dribbling wizard come the start of the season.

“I am a different kind of dribbling wizard, I do my own thing,” he told FARPost.

“I don’t do things that everyone usually does. So standing on the ball? I hardly do that. I do the ‘Dancing Confidence’ things, I always do things that people don’t think will happen, something new,” he added.

Ndali says he has been praying for a professional contract for a long time.

“It feels exciting and thank God for such an opportunity. I appreciate the Chairman of Baroka [Khurishi Mphahlele] and coach Morgan [Mammila] for recognising my talent after so long trying to get a contract. I believe it was God’s time and God’s time is perfect.”

He believes players like him are often misunderstood, despite having more qualities than just dribbling.

“Definitely [we’re misunderstood]. I think when you’re a dribbling wizard, people don’t look at other qualities,” he said.

“They just look at moments where you are dribbling. It’s only when they judge you. They don’t see the impact you add to the game whenever you are losing or winning.

“With Skhwama I can’t say he didn’t succeed because he is currently playing in Botswana for Township Rollers. We have been together even during the off-season.”

“When I arrived here I could see that the team was balanced. They had everything they needed. They just needed that player who would be a crowd-puller. Someone who knows how to do it but is moving forward. The level is not like how we play in the tournaments. You need to do it but productively moving forward.

“Let me just say by being in this environment I have learnt a lot. I could tell that I have many abilities that a lot of people don’t know about. Skill is just something that I know. It’s in my blood, I can do it even in my sleep. But then if I can work on my abilities going forward I think I can go far in this career.”