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PHINDA: LIVING A BALANCED LIFE

12/11/2016 23:44:00 BY ZETHU NDLOVU

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About Phinda ...

I was born in Mahlanya and I grew up with my family and my three brothers. I studied Accounting Science at the University of South Africa and graduated in 2014. After completing my degree, I was lucky enough to get a job. Currently, I am planning on furthering my education as I believe that education is one of the master keys to success.

Soccer career ...
My soccer career began when I was still in my mother’s womb hehehe. Growing up, I used to play lots of sports but mainly soccer, I have always been a sporty person. In the good old days, my goal was to wear the soccer national team (Sihlangu) colours. I have always been a fan of the national team from a young age and I still remember when I used to watch them play on TV and I also used to watch some of the games live.

Soccer journey ...

When I was 16, I started playing domestic competitive football for the Lowvled Division clubs around Ezulwini and it was mainly for Sunrise FC and City Stars. I was then taken by Irvin Munroe who showed me a few ways to soccer and took me to Manzini Sundowns where I joined the club back in 2010. I really enjoyed playing for that club at that time because the environment was soothing and conducive for me. This season, I was given the opportunity to join Mbabane Swallows and I am enjoying there. I want to say this to the youth, what you do today defines where you will be in a few years time. Stay in school, take education very seriously and sports too, but life out there is not easy, they should take it seriously.

When I almost gave up ...

There was a time when I almost quit playing soccer and it was when the national team had a match against Lesotho at Mavuso Sports Centre. I missed an important shot which went right under the goal post. The Swazi soccer fans stood up and requested I should subbed for the mistake, that was a painful I must say. But I got home that day and got on to the treadmill to refresh my thoughts. But the good thing about that incident is that I became better throughout the season because I worked harder and made sure that it did not happen again.

Advice to upcoming soccer stars ...

What I can say to the young and talented upcoming soccer players is that they must have their goals and priorities straight. In life, it is vital and important to know what you want and also to know what you stand for. Trust me, soccer is a very beautiful sport, but it can be more beautiful if you excel in it. In order to excel in it, you must stay focused and work hard.

As young people, it is also important to challenge ourselves in order to progress and it also helps with discovering new and hidden talents. To cut it short, something positive always comes from challenges. Lastly, as the youth, we should learn to use our talents so to assist us to reach the next level.
I cannot stress how important education is for the young stars out there. Sports and education equals to long term success. As I said earlier, education is like a master key which can open any door before your career, during your career and after your career. Skipping school or extra classes just for soccer is not a plan, do not do it, stay focused on school!

University years ...

During my varsity years, my soccer had to take a back seat at times. Luckily, Manzini Sundowns understood that education was number one on my priorities list and the Chairman, Mr Carmichael, was very supportive of my education. Even all the senior players would always encourage me to stay focused on my schoolwork and of course, Mr. Munroe made sure that my school timetable was up to date. To be able to balance these, you need to have your priorities and goals in order, and you have to stick to them. I won’t lie and say balancing the two was like a walk in the park, but it was definitely worth it though.

Mostly inspired by ...

It has to be my family, they have supported me all the way. They also gave me solid advice regarding to schoolwork and my soccer career. I thank God for such a wonderful family which believes that all good things come from above. I am who I am today because of their prayers.