Maritzburg United defender Lungelo Bhengu has divulged the secret behind his accomplishments as a professional football player.
The 23-year-old began playing football back in 2012 for an amateur team known as Arsenal at Kwamanyakeni ground and since then, he never looked back.
In January 2020, Bhengu joined the Team of Choice first team from the club’s reserve side and made his professional debut in the 2019/2020 season in a KZN Derby against Golden Arrows.
“I was nervous at the beginning of the match, but as the game continued, I gained confidence, and my nerves were gone,” Lungelo Bhengu told the club’s media team.
The Landskop-born has amassed 10 appearances for the Blue Army in the current campaign, but the rising star aims to continue with his good work under the tutelage of Ernst Middendorp.
Lungelo Bhengu put it on records that he started playing football in order to shy away from social ills within his community.
“I chose to play football because I didn’t want to be involved in negative things like crime, drugs, etc. On top of that, people from my community used to tell me that I am a good player, and that I must work hard because one day I will become a professional player given the fact that I had the passion for the game,” Lungelo Bhengu elaborated.
“To be honest, I really don’t know what was would have happened to me because I really cannot imagine my life without football. I breathe, smell, and eat football. It’s life to me.”
He went on to state that right-back is his all-time favourite position because he grew up playing in that role.
“My strengths allow me to play it [right-back]. It’s a good thing for me that I can play the different positions but sometimes, I feel like it’s bad for coaches because it confuses them. I always perform at my best in all the positions,” added the former Kaizer Chiefs development player.
In his closing remarks, the defender shared some wise words for youngsters who would like to follow in his footsteps.
“What I can share with the upcoming youngsters is that they must stay far away from drugs and focus on football. Respect coaches and their teammates.”
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