Mamelodi Sundowns legend Bennet Mnguni asserts that he could have become one of the world's best strikers if the late Ted Dumitru had not persuaded him to switch positions.
The former Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder from the Russian Premier League believes he possessed the potential to excel as a striker rather than a midfielder.
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During his tenure as a midfielder, Mnguni achieved success, clinching the Russian Premier League title, two PSL titles, and representing South Africa in two FIFA World Cups.
"When I joined Mamelodi Sundowns, I initially played as a striker," Mnguni reveals to KickOff.
"The club signed me with the intention of utilising my skills as a striker.
"However, our coach at the time, Ted Dumitru, advised me that there were already too many players occupying the striker position. He suggested it would be more beneficial if I transitioned to a defensive midfielder role, assuring me that I could play exceptional football in that position.
"I responded by saying, 'Coach, only if you can teach me the nuances of playing as a defensive midfielder, and provide me with all the necessary equipment, will I be able to perform in that role.'
"In retrospect, I would say that although he redirected my career path, he simultaneously provided me with an opportunity.
"If I had not embraced that chance, it's likely that I wouldn't have secured playing time at Sundowns. In the midfield, my competition would have been limited to Sello Page Mahlangu and Linda Buthelezi – only three players in total.
"In contrast, upfront, there were notable strikers such as Alain Amougu, Kenny Niemach, Mambush Mudau, Raphael Chukwu, and Marc Batchelor.
"By moving to the midfield, I had the chance to compete with just three players, all of whom were older than me. This presented an opportunity for me to play, especially considering I was still relatively young at 26 turning 27.
"Sundowns signed me from Publican Brothers, a team that discovered me at Junior Chiefs from Enkangala. Publican Brothers, based in Mamelodi, boasted players like Joas Magolego, Mambush, and Solly Phetla.
"I had a prolific goal-scoring record at Publican Brothers, displaying proficiency with both feet – left and right. As their top striker, I was the leading goal-scorer.
"If I had continued playing as a striker, I firmly believe I could have risen to become one of the world's best. In today's game, players struggle to break a 25-goal record. Considering my capabilities, scoring more than 50 league goals in a season would not have been an insurmountable feat."
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