In this edition of the feature "In The Spotlight," KickOff speaks to former Moroka Swallows fan favorite Samuel "See" Ngobeni.
Growing up, who was your idol?
"Pule Ace Ntsoelengoe, umabheka phansi njenge sambane. He made the game look simple."
Is he the player you modelled your game on?
"Yes."
Before turning professional, which club was your favorite?
"The Buccaneers, of course. They used to give everyone a hiding. They had all the stars: Bra J, Killer Mkhwanazi, Black Sunday Masegela, Basil Steenkamp, and many more."
Your breakthrough into top-flight football, how did it come about?
"Chicco Twala is from my neighborhood. We are both from Meadowlands—he's from Zone 4 and I'm from Zone 5. But it was Pine Chabeli who signed me to Swallows, my first top-flight team. Only the best players are signed by club chairmen."
Who is your best friend in football?
"Peter Rabolele and Alfred Phiri. I knew Phiri from school tournaments. We even represented Gauteng province together in the provincial games."
Is there anything you dislike about football?
"Nothing. I respect football. It made me who I am. I was able to pay funeral policies because of football. I was able to bury my mother because of football. I was able to prrovide for my children because of football."
Who is your favorite player at the moment?
"Relebohile Mofokeng. I knew him from a young age. I even tried to recommend him to clubs, but the problem was I didn't know where to find him or where he was staying."
If you could join any club as a player, which club would it be?
"Mamelodi Sundowns. Their style of play is similar to mine. Imagine the combination of Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, and See Ngobeni."
If you could stay anywhere in the world, which country would it be?
"Spain. I like the way they are so passionate about development. They are very structured."