In this edition of Secret To Success, former Ajax Cape Town midfielder Clifford Ngobeni shares his journey to professional football with KickOff.
Ngobeni expresses his deep gratitude to Mike 'Nanana' Ntombela, a legend of Mamelodi Sundowns and Wits University FC, for facilitating his entry into the sport.
"I was playing amateur football in the township of Chiawelo when my mentor, Mike Ntombela, who owned a team called Senaoane Gunners in Soweto, would often play against my team," Ngobeni recalls.
READ | 15 points clear: Sundowns thrash Sekhukhune
"Whenever our two teams faced each other, Mike would tell me that I had been selected to represent Soweto in a match somewhere, only to find out later that it wasn't true. There wasn't even a game for Soweto that day.
"He did this to keep me from facing his team, Senaoane Gunners, because he wanted to ensure an easy win. I used to terrorize his team, and they never won when I was on the field.
"While our teams were competing, he would arrange for someone to take me to FNB Stadium or to other football grounds in the suburbs to watch other matches, and I would spend the entire day there.
"Sometimes, he would organize games where I could participate while my team played crucial matches against his. He kept doing this until there was finally a genuine game for Soweto, and I was able to represent the township," he added.
READ | Wisdom of Solomons on Chiefs' Nabi project
"From there, I caught the attention of the Gauteng Province, which ultimately led Ajax Cape Town to discover me.
"Even today, we laugh about it because Mike Ntombela is like a father figure to me. He raised me. Our close relationship has been immensely beneficial, creating a strong bond between us.
"Thanks to that relationship, he played a crucial role in helping me realize my dream of becoming a professional football player. He transported me to various trials, and Ajax first noticed me in Kimberley while I was representing the Gauteng Province.
"Afterward, Ajax officials came to my home, and I referred them to Mike Ntombela, and that's where the real journey began."