Mazibuko puts pen to paper with the ‘Chilli Boys’
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Sifiso Mazibuko is the latest Witsie to make waves in the local football sphere after he was signed by Betway Premiership outfit, Chippa United in July.
Mazibuko, who hails from eNquthu in KwaZulu Natal but raised in Benrose, Johannesburg, started playing professional football at the age of 16, featuring for Jomo Cosmos in the National First Division and further representing the same club at U23 level in a preseason tournament in Spain, in which Cosmos won.
The 20-year-old, who is a first year Bachelor of Arts student at Wits University, saw his passion for football fostered at the tender age of 8, just after he had moved to Johannesburg, where he started off as a centre-back at New Model Private College. Even though football is at the forefront for Mazibuko, he does take his academics seriously, which has led to him making changes for his progress not to be hindered.
“I've changed my course so that I can access my education online, which is how I believe I’ll be able to tackle the rest of the semester, with a now busier schedule. Should it be successful, I'll continue with it, but should it not work out, then I'll pause at the end of the year and continue when I come back to Johannesburg.”
Mazibuko has grown in leaps and bounds since his 8-year-old self, playing as a centre-back, having already spent two years in the Wits student team and plying his trade in the SuperSport United Multichoice Diski Challenge team, where he was spotted by scouts from the ‘Chilli Boys’. A delighted Mazibuko shared his story of how he got spotted, which brought a sense of pride in his achievement.
“I got scouted by Chippa United, through the Multichoice Diski Challenge, while I was playing for SuperSport United as I had a fantastic first season with them. I have never been so proud as I saw this as a great opportunity for me to kickstart my career.”
Speaking about his time with Wits football, Mazibuko is grateful for the opportunities granted to him by the institution, which have aided him in making a success of his budding career.
“Wits has had a tremendous impact on me, exposing me to different facilities that I've never had in my football life, I was also very fortunate to get some of the best coaching under Coach Xavi, Coach Krol and Coach Abraham, which I’m grateful for.”
The now elusive winger attributes a lot of his success to the support of his father, whom he feels has been the backbone in his journey so far.
“My father Sibusiso Mazibuko deserves all the praise for my career, as he has been with me since day one. He has never missed a game of mine from the development side until the professional side. He has always taken me to training, fetched me and followed my progress with a keen eye.”
Before departing, Mazibuko, had a few words to share with others looking to follow his path and gain entrance into the highest level in South African football.
“Those looking for success in football, must believe in what they are doing and always push themselves above their limits by never skipping a day of training, because hard work always pays off.” Mazibuko concluded.
