Meet TUT’s lanky goalkeeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube. He’s funny, friendly and loves listening to music. Two weeks ago he celebrated his 21st birthday and his teammates made his day memorable with songs and happy birthday wishes.
The 21-year- old goalkeeper who was born in Limpopo, Seshego just outside Polokwane, is a second year student studying officiating and coaching science. Ncube said, “I play football and it makes sense to do a course that has to do with sports. It’s challenging because it has science, but hey I love it! I’m trying to survive; I’m not the most gifted of students but I make up for what I lack in talent by putting more work in at the library. I study hard and seek the help of tutors where necessary.”
Sikhumbuzo can barely complete a sentence without laughing. He loves to socialize and to be around people – there is never a dull moment when he is around. He is nicknamed Zulu Boy and the name came about when he grew up in a Pedi-dominated township with a Zulu surname. His mom is Pedi while his father is Zulu and he grew up in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Whenever he reveals his surname people automatically think that he is from KZN and not Limpopo. But he is used to that by now and it no longer bothers him anymore.
Apparently growing up while playing soccer in the dusty streets of Seshego, the local kids and his couch couldn’t pronounce his name and they decided to simply call him Zulu Boy. That name has stuck with him like glue and today his TUT teammates call also him Zulu Boy. Ncube is juggling his studies and football and he says that he doesn’t have time for a girlfriend at the moment. He is the last born in a family of three siblings. His brother’s name is Hector and his sister’s name is Sharon. Ncube’s mother is working while his father is a retired pensioner.
He started out as an in-field player but was persuaded to become a goalkeeper and never looked back. His role model in Europe is Joe Hart of Burnley in the English Premiership and the England senior national team, while locally he is inspired by Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana’s number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. Ncube, who also plays for TUT in the SAB league division team, wants to follow in the footsteps of King Ndlovu, the Jomo Cosmos keeper in the National First Division (NFD). Ncube said, “My dream is to play for a PSL or an NFD team. I love watching Ndlovu playing for Cosmos and one day hope to get my chance. I am working hard in training to improve the level of my performance.”
Ncube shares a room with fellow goalkeeper Mpho Nhlapo when their team is in camp. He says the two don’t compete; they’re good friends both on and off the pitch. Ncube has registered just one clean sheet in three games. He remembers his first time in an airplane with big laughter.
“It was last year and I was nervous. We went to the Eastern Cape, to play against Fort Hare University. I prepared myself so that the flight could be normal. I had goosebumps but eventually calmed myself in a frantic moment. I will never forget my first time in a plane.”
His favourite breakfast at a hotel is cheese omelette, toasted bread with butter, beans and orange juice. During the day he says that he likes to snack with a muffin and water. Generally he loves spending time at a hotel and he showers a lot. Ncube is a good cook, he enjoys eating mince and spaghetti and macaroni. His best friends are Rennie Motloutsi and Kgaretlo Phatsoane, they come a long way since their childhood. Ncube describes himself as friendly and someone who loves to socialize with everyone, of all levels.
“I don’t take things personally and I am someone who can take jokes aimed at me, without being angry or dramatic. I’m not a drama queen I just love life,” Ncube added. He says that Pride Choba is the team’s crazy character when they’re in camp, as he always cracks jokes and makes all sorts of noise. Ncube is not an old fashioned soccer player and he moves with the times. He active on Twitter and his handle is @zulubooi. Also on Facebook as Sikhumbuzo Zulu and on Instagram as @Zulusikhumbuzo.
Outside of football he likes to listen to music and watch movies. Before he enters a football pitch, he listens to Hillsong band and his favourite song is Oceans. “The song lifts my mood, I just feel focused after listening to it. It’s like I’m on cloud nine I don’t make mistakes during the game that is where I mainly draw my source of inspiration. You can call it a pre-match ritual I don’t use muti, I pray and listen to soothing music. Generally I love music I just can’t live without it it’s my life I bought a huge headset and they are my most prized possession.”
He added that he enjoys working with coach Busy Moloi, who promoted him to the senior team last year. In 2017, He was the goalkeeper when TUT lost 2-0 to Tuks in the final and he says that this year he wants to win it.
Here’s what happened in the final:
“It was painful to lose in the final last year. I want to erase that painful memory by winning the trophy this year for my university. People tend to look at the goalkeeper when the team loses and that hurts a bit. I would like to be part of a winning team hopefully this is our year to shine.”
Read what happened in last year’s final
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports Writer
