Mpumelolo Sambo was a name not familiar within the Varsity Football fraternity, but after making his debut, he has grabbed the no.1 jersey with both hands and is a major catalyst to UJ’s late surge into the final.
Mpumelelo Sambo, aged 19, has taken Varsity Football by storm since making his debut against Wits in the sixth round. He has caught the eye with his spectacular reflex saves and has earned the reputation as being one of the finest penalty-stoppers Varsity Football has ever seen. Mpumelelo has already made several penalty saves during this season, with his match wining save against CUT in the penalty shootout as his highlight so far in Varsity Football.
His rise and recent performances has seen him grab the no.1 jersey as the goalkeeper for UJ, previously donned by Damaine van der Walt. “Football means everything to me, when I get onto that field I forget everything else and focus on the task at hand, which is to win.” Mpumelelo acknowledges his goalkeeper coach, and head coach Mandla Zwane for giving him a chance and for boosting his confidence.
After not staring for the first six matches, Mpumelelo has not looked back since making his debut, he has also grown in confidence and is trusted to save the back four in case he is called upon. “My role model has to be Itu Khune, like him I enjoy shot-stopping and I know one day I will make it big in the PSL.
“It has been an honour playing for UJ and we [the team] will make sure that we win the 2016 Varsity Football competition by any means.”
Mpumelelo is likely to start the Varsity Football final and will be a key player in deciding whether or not UJ will win their maiden Varsity Football tournament.
Get to know Mpumelolo Sambo a little better:
Best thing about being a student?
You learn to be responsible.
Single or dating?
Single
Best advice ever received?
Work hard.
Favourite SA soccer team?
Sundowns
Favourite SA soccer player?
Khune
Favourite artist to listen to before games?
Eminem
Pre-Match Superstitions?
None
What studies are you busy with?
1st year Diploma in Transportation Management
By Nkosinathi Shazi
The post From the wilderness, straight to the Varsity Football final appeared first on Varsity Sports SA.