BHENGU: I CAN'T IMAGINE MY LIFE WITHOUT FOOTBALL
10 January 2022
Maritzburg United defender, Lungelo Bhengu has revealed the secret behind his accomplishments.
Born and bred in the dusty streets of Landskop, the 23-year-old boasted a burning desire to compete in the elite league.
The hunger to avoid social ills in his community was the main drive for Bhengu to fulfil his dream of playing his trade in top flight football.
The Team of Choice Diski graduate made his professional debut in the KZN Derby against Lamontville Golden Arrows during the 2019/20 season. In his debut season in the Premier Soccer League, he amassed a total of four appearances.
He has been instrumental for the Team of Choice in the current season. Bhengu has ten games under his belt (four starts and six coming from the bench).
The 23-year-old from Landskop in Pietermaritzburg, started playing football in 2012 for an amateur team called Arsenal coached by coach Stayi.
In 2015, he joined Kaizer Chiefs development where he spent three years before he moved to Highlands Park in 2018 where he played for their reserve team.
Because of his dedication, hard-work, and talent, he was promoted to train with the first team under the tutelage of coach Owen Da Gama for the Lions of the North. From there, he joined the Team of Choice where he captained the reserve side.
The former Maritzburg United reserve team captain gave an exclusive interview with the club's media team.
MUFC: Where and when did you start playing football?
Lungelo Bhengu (LB): I started playing football in 2012 at Kwamanyakeni ground, playing for an amateur team called Arsenal coached by coach Stayi.
MUFC: What made you choose football?
LB: I chose to play football because I didn’t want to be involved in negative things like crime, drugs, etc. On top of that, people from my community used to tell me that I am a good player, that I must work hard because one day I will become a professional player. And I had the passion for the game.
MUFC: Do you have any other sporting codes that you love or would like to play apart from soccer?
LB: I am also a huge fan of rugby. But I am still willing to learn more about it.
MUFC: You play different positions. Right-Back, Centre-Back, and also Midfield. Which one is your favourite and do you find it a good or bad thing to be used in different positions?
LB: My favourite position is a Right-Back because I grew up playing that position. My strengths allow me to play it. It’s a good thing for me that I can play the different positions but sometimes, I feel like it’s bad for coaches because its confuses them. I always perform at my best in all the positions.
MUFC: How much do you remember about your PSL debut and what was going through your mind before and after the match?
LB: I was nervous at the beginning of the match, but as the game continued, I gained confidence, and my nerves were gone.
MUFC: Which player is your idol and why?
LB: My favourite player is N’golo Kante of Chelsea and France. What I love about him is that he coversall the spaces on the field of play.
MUFC: If you couldn’t make it to the professional level, what were you going to be in life?
LB:To be honest, I really don’t know what was would have happened to me because I really cannot imagine my life without football. I breathe, smell, and eat football. It’s life to me.
MUFC: How and where did you spend the festive season?
LB: I was at home having a quality time with my family during the festive season. And I feel extremely happy about that.
MUFC: What message would you share with other young boys out there who wish to play at the professional level?
LB: What I can share with the upcoming youngsters is that they must stay far away from drugs and focus on football. Respect coaches and their teammates.
MUFC: Thank you.
LB:You are welcome.
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