Ndwambi “Kaptein” Nthambeleni is a former local soccer sensation, he dazzled fans with his lightning- fast skills and mesmerizing goals on the pitch.
“I started playing soccer while in primary school as a goalkeeper in 1967”
He used to kick a ball around the streets from a very young age and it was clear he had a special talent. At the age of 20 he managed to establish a club called Bluebirds FC after Vendaland Pitco Pirates FC collapsed. Kaptein continued as Administrator/Coach for Nothern Ford Stars FC and Shayandima Bob Stars FC.
He further established “Kaptein under 17 League “for youth. One of his players was spotted by Shakes Mashaba, who was coaching Mining Rangers FC, a professional club and recruited him.
Kaptein played for Vendaland Pitco Pirates, Blue Birds Football Club, Northern Ford Stars and Shayandima Bob Stars.
V/E: Do you think soccer has lost its touch?
K/N: Soccer’s always evolving and with the game moving so fast -new tactics and talent, it’s natural for people to wonder if it’s lost some of it’s spark. But honestly, I think the passion and excitement is still there. We’ve got incredible players pushing boundaries and the global reach of the game is massive. Sure, there are changes but maybe it’s just adapting to the times. Old-school fans might miss the raw, less polished game of the past,while new fans love the modern style.
It’s a different era, but soccer is still magic. Now, Kaptein has traded in his boots for a new role, as a celebrated icon of the beautiful game.