Marumo Gallants striker Junior Zindoga has opened up on how Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Themba Zwane breathed life into his career.
The 26-year-old forward, Zindoga, had an unsuccessful trial stint at Mamelodi Sundowns eight years ago.
And while his attempt to join Masandawana hit a snag, the lanky forward got a valuable takeaway during the time he interacted with Zwane.
Zindoga has revealed Zwane’s words of encouragement that have kept him going in his pursuit for football greatness.
WHAT MARUMO GALLANTS STRIKER, ZINDOGA SAID
The Zimbabwean said he was surprised by Zwane’s love and encouragement at a time he was trying to impress then Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.
“But I was really surprised when Zwane showed me love and encouraged me to keep believing. He told me that one day I would become a great player, and getting such words from him really boosted my self-esteem,” Zindonga said as quoted by Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“When I was down and without a team, I would look at our picture together, and it has always pushed me to keep my eyes on the prize.
Zindoga added: “I have the utmost respect for Peter [Ndlovu], not only because of his status on the continent. But also for the love he showed me when I was on trials at Sundowns. He created a place for me to stay and gave me everything I needed during that time.
“It was a gesture that I will never forget. I know he is happy for me, and we became a family from that point until this day.”
After missing the Sundowns opportunity, Zindoga joined Maritzburg United during the 2017/18 PSL season. It was a low-key tenure that ended in 2019.
In addition, he returned to Zimbabwe and had stints at Ngezi Platinum Stars and Yadah FC, respectively.
Before joining Marumo Gallants, the gangly forward had a decent spell at Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini.
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