2023 December: A long-awaited dream exceeds expectations

By Khaphathe Nyandano 

Small or big, dreams do come true. Growing up as a kid, I have always been a football lover and as much as I take what I experience to the heart, winning the 2023 Christmas Day Tournament made me extremely happy. Taking a little step back from where I left to go and further my studies in Johannesburg will give a detailed insight on the significance of winning a local tournament’s trophy.

In 2019, I obtained my grade 12 National Senior Certificate, and it sealed my move from Limpopo to Gauteng province. At that time, I was only 18 years of age and to be honest, it was a perfect age to play the local football week in and out. Unfortunately, it never happened that way because it was extremely hard to find a team in Johannesburg. However, people always thought that I went to a right place because Johannesburg is a hotspot of various opportunities, including playing football at the highest level.

A friend of mine, Mukwevho ‘Fire’ Ngeletshedzo once asked me if I could join their team that used to play on Sundays, it was a brilliant idea but I had to be at church every Sunday. Those who personally know me can confirm that I do not skip Sundays easily, not because I am saint but I come from a strict and church family. I am growing up in an era where there is an eminent Bishop in my family and for that reason, going to church is a must.

Truthfully, I used to think of playing football time to time but it was impossible to an extent whereby I started to train alone because I wanted to stay fit and ready for my opportunity. It was an emotional experience because I knew all I wanted was to go to school and play football, but I was only going to school without doing what I love. However, it helped me to excel academically because I was never busy with many activities that could steal my time to study.

[WATCH]: Below are videos of Khaphathe Nyandano at the FNB stadium training alone. 

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Nyandano warming up in the early hours of the morning in Johannesburg.

Nyandano tightening the soccer boots laces. 

Fast forward to a special day, 25 December 2023, Tshiheni Village had an incredible history written on its books. A tournament of four teams took place as early as 10am and those were Fundudzi United Brothers, Fundudzi Freedom Fighters, Tshigwada FC, Khakhu First Eleven. Two teams from the village had to open the stage and Fundudzi United Brothers was defeated by Fundudzi Freedom Fighters. On the other hand, Tshigwada FC was able to beat Khakhu First Eleven on penalties. To clarify, the final game was Fundudzi Freedom Fighters vs Tshigwada FC.

Clearly, when the first game began in the morning, I was not yet at the ground when the team’s list was made up and for our coach to see who has arrived in time. For that reason, I did not play the first game and it is iconic for me because my first ever game came in a memorable final. Coach Ndivho ‘Matanza’ Dzhubai left me out of the starting eleven players but I was never heartbroken about it because I know that contributing to a football game does not mean that a player must play for 90 minutes. In all honesty, our squad had talented and skilful players such as Tshanduko ‘Skhindi Sengane’ Budeli, Thompho ‘Fabrigas’ Phaswana, Netshiongolwe ‘Stopper’ Kenny, Cearphus ‘KDB’, Rasuwa ‘Mubola’ Lucky, Thalukanyo ‘Jordi Alba’ Dzhubai, Mpho and the very best local goalkeeper Khathutshelo Bravo. There were 90% chances for this squad to win the tournament looking at the quality that coach Ndivho Matanza had at his dressing room.

I was a registered Fundudzi Freedom Fighters player that had never played for over a season, I still remember Mr. Nesane Kenneth’s words when I was about to be subbed on for the first time ever in a history of the newly established club. He was thankful and happy that he will at least see me play for the team that he is also a part of its leadership, it was a great experience for all of us that will stay in my heart forever. When I stepped into the field, subbing off Fabrigas, I felt a special feeling deep down my heart, I was breathing the freshest air, my mind had 0% stress because I knew that was it, that was what I had been dying to do. Because God’s timing is the best, I played my first game in what was a biggest and entertaining game and walked away with a trophy and medal of a champion.

Sterling10 with his teammate Stopper during the full time scences. (Photo: Tumelo Skipper)

Sterling10 and Stopper holding the trophy together. (Photo: Tumelo Skipper)

Sterling10 with Thononda village's finest midfielder, Tshipuke Mika. (Photo: Tumelo Skipper)

Sterling10 with his teammates Nduka Boy & Mbungu with a female fan Murendwa Lambani. (Photo: Tumelo Skipper)

Football is love. Football is unity. (Photo: Tumelo Skipper)

Mika15 looking at the face of Sterling10 like 'what a guy'. (Photo: Tumelo Skipper) 

However, I could have started to play for this incredible team in a random game with fewer supporters and ended up losing but what happened to me cannot be underrated.

THE END!

Short highlights of the experience of watching a Legend’s game on my TIK TOK account, Nyandano122.

Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMMdJtrx7/ (This game was played before a final game, allowing finalists to rest).