Some say he is the greatest talent to emerge in the Varsity Football competition in its five-year existence. Some say he is a genius. Some say he is a rare breed and some simply refer to him as the heartbeat of the TUT team. He is the talisman of TUT and an unrivalled star of Varsity Football’s fifth edition. He is Themba “Messi” Ndlovu.
After his exploits in the first five games, he is the overwhelming favourite to walk away with the player of the tournament and the golden boot awards. Only a brave few will bet against that from happening and they should have valid reasons why they are not in his corner as the statistics are currently backing him up.
The TUT striker is in a league of his own. He is without a doubt the first name that TUT coach Bushy Moloi reads out on his team sheet. The 24-year-old is the best player that has never been seen by the Premier Soccer League teams and coaches. Truth be told Ndlovu brings something fresh to Varsity Football and it will be a shame if his road ends here.
This man is talented and he can put some of the so called PSL’s ‘top strikers’ to shame. He is a two-footed player, gifted and on top of his game. He is not relying on talent alone, this Mpumalanga-born footballer is a hard worker and he is not lazy to get down to the real business.
UWC coach Salie Adams described him as a clever player, a genius. He is short and skinny but once the ball leaves his foot goalkeepers usually hear from the crowd that the ball has gone past them.
Adams said these words after his team were shown flames by TUT, spearheaded by Ndlovu’s hat-trick.
“He is a clever player that makes clever runs. I spoke to the players at half time that when he drops deep we need to go with him to make sure that he plays the ball backwards to prevent him from getting enough time to turn. He is a star in the making and deserves a chance in the PSL. I’ve seen enough to believe that he is a real talent and he does not need too much coaching.”
Even Ndlovu’s club coach Bushy Moloi appealed to the South African Football Association, PSL and National First Division structures to improve their scouting methods. Talent such as Ndlovu’s is once-in-a-while type of stuff. Pity the TUT-UWC game was not televised as those who could not brave the cold night stayed in the comfort of their homes to keep warm. But the one’s that packed the stadium at the TUT stadium definitely witnessed greatness. They witnessed a raw talent singlehandedly tearing UWC to shreds.
The boy has got pace and his finishing is on another level. He reminded us of Thabo Mnyamane when he first burst into the scene in the colours of NWU a couple of seasons back. But Mnymane, who has since made his name and won titles in the big league with SuperSport United, is nowhere near where Ndlovu is when he first started. Ndlovu is quick, good with both feet, he takes defenders and leaves them eating grass. He is not a typical lazy player that waits for supply; he drops deep, collects the ball and takes on defenders.
Moloi could not contain his excitement as he told anyone who cared to listen not to let another promising talent go down the drain. Moloi has worked with countless players in Varsity Football for the past five years, but even he is surprised to have seen such a talent emerge in the popular competition.
“Any team that wants him, please talk to me. I want this poor boy to go to the PSL because he is an amazing talent that has never been seen before,” said moloi. “He is a hard worker, he plays flipping good with both legs. He is best player ever to be seen in Varsity Football. He plays with his left and right foot and is very strong.
“He is better than a lot of PSL strikers. With due respect to some of the other PSL strikers, the boy deserves to play in the PSL. I don’t understand what needs to happen in development if a boy plays like this and there are no scouts. It’s such a pity. SAFA needs to do something.”
Moloi is convinced that we won’t see a player that is as finished a product as Ndlovu, in Varsity Football for a long time. The PSL and lower division teams must wake up before it’s too late. Ndlovu is a third-year student from a big family of nine children and he is a fifth born. Last year the Mpumalanga-born star had a stint at Witbank Spurs and things didn’t go well. He didn’t attend school last year but he is back to complete his diploma. His biggest dream is to play in the PSL and he has the determination and talent to get there and make a lasting impression.
I wouldn’t do any justice to the talent, goal poacher and a polished star Ndlovu if I don’t make all the noises for him. He deserves all the credit coming his way. All the boy needs is to be given an opportunity to showcase his talent. Ndlovu carried this team on his shoulders and he has not collapsed under pressure. The only thing that Ndlovu is missing is his big break.
The boy can be as good as Mnyamane if not better. Let’s hope the PSL and NFD teams will watch the remaining Varsity Football games and see for themselves. They say proof is in the pudding and seeing is believing. You have to see it for yourself to see what all the fuss is about surrounding this unbelievable talent. Let’s just hope that Moloi’s heartfelt plea will not fall on deaf ears.
Moloi is not the only one wishing that the player could be given a chance in the top flight division as the majority of Varsity Football followers feel the same way and as a regular and big fan of this concept I’m of the same view too.
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports writer
