Golden Arrows goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha has explained how he switched from playing Beach Soccer to becoming one of the best netminders in South Africa’s topflight.
Mbatha was part of the South African team that played in the qualifiers for the World Cup in 2006 under the leadership of coach Lindani Shezi. They lost the game to Cameroon.
In an interview with FARPost, the former AmaZulu goalie went down memory lane, detailing his journey from Beach Soccer to Diski in SA.
The country hosted the 2022 COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship in the South of Durban from the 25th of September till the 1st of October 2022.
MBATHA’s BEACH SOCCER BACKGROUND
“My Beach Soccer journey started when I was in grade 11, that was back in 2005,” Mbatha told FARPost.
“They had trials at South beach in Durban, as there were preparations for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil if I am not mistaken.
“That time, they had sponsors and were a little bit organised.
“We were selected for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers; we lost our game in the semi-finals to Cameroon by 7-6, and I played for two years in a row until 2007.
“I have always been a goalkeeper in your normal football. Beach soccer was just my way of introducing myself to professional football. There was an opportunity to represent your country, even though it was just beach soccer,” added the Arrows goalie.
Mbatha went on to outline the difference between Diski and Beach Soccer while also highlighting the challenges the latter is facing.
“There is an enormous difference between normal football and Beach Soccer,” he said.
“There are too many rules, it is too tiring, and you need to be technically disciplined and fit because it is fast.
“You must always be alert and always concentrate while in normal football; you can relax a bit.”
Mbatha added, “Well, there are so many struggles in Beach Soccer, from organisation to the team, we do not have the proper structure to identify the talented players and sponsors.
“My wish for Beach Soccer is to get sponsors. That will give them proper structure. They must also honour the guys who were there when the whole thing started.
“Give them the opportunity to be in the set-up because they know the struggles and how we can go back to where we used to be. Bring them on board to assist,” concluded Mbatha.
