Maphangulule gets the call to join Bafana Bafana squad

Polokwane City player Ndamulelo Maphangule has been called up to join the national team, marking another feather in the cap for the player from Hamasakona in Vhembe.

Bafana Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has compiled a preliminary 38-player squad as the South African national team gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in November. South Africa will face Uganda away on 15 November and host South Sudan on 19 November, with both matches critical for securing qualification in the tournament set to take place in Morocco.

Following his selection to the national team, many soccer fans are now curious about the star’s history as a player. Born in Masakona, Maphangule began his football career at Masakona United before moving to the Black Leopards Diski team the following year. His talent was spotted by a scout from Mbombela United, a National First Division team, who offered him a contract after watching him at a tournament.

When Mbombela United were relegated that same year, Maphangule returned home to join the Venda Football Academy, competing in the ABC Motsepe league. He later joined Polokwane City, primarily playing as a midfielder.

Maphangule credits his recent call-up to the national team to his teammates and technical staff at City. He also expressed gratitude to the Vhembe community, saying they helped him revive his football career. Looking ahead, he hopes to play for an overseas club soon.

He advised young people to focus on sports instead of engaging in social ills. “Sport can make them responsible people who are in charge of their future,” he said. “Every time I go to the villages, I see young people abusing drugs and alcohol because they don't have anything to keep them busy, and it is really bad. I would like to encourage them to focus on soccer to combat these social issues,” he added.

Date:01 November 2024

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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