In this edition of My First, Mamelodi Sundowns legend Manqoba Ngwenya shares with KickOff the trauma he experienced during his time at his first school, Casino Primary School.
Ngwenya won the Premier Soccer League title with Mamelodi Sundowns.
My First School:
"Casino Primary School is located in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, where I grew up. I spent my childhood in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. My grandmother owned a shop there, and eventually, they got a house in the area.
"I'm not sure how they came up with the name of the school, as it had nothing to do with gambling. I have always been passionate about football, so school was never really my strong suit. Even today, seeing teachers from that school still traumatizes me. The whip was a common sight. There was this female teacher, Miss Molefe, who even used wrestling skills to discipline us. I was only four years old when I started school because I followed my older brother there. When the bell rang to signal the end of the school day, I would be the first one rushing to the school gate. That’s how much school intimidated me."
My First Kiss:
"I don’t remember it very well. The truth is, I was very shy around girls while growing up. Because I was one of those handsome boys at school, girls would approach me, but I would ignore their advances and choose soccer instead."
My First Soccer Boots:
"My grandmother bought my first pair, and they were Patrick brand. I was still playing in the under 13s. However, the most memorable soccer boots I had were the Nike pair my aunt bought for me while I was with the Wits under 17 team. We went to the USA for a tournament, and with those boots, I became the top goalscorer and the player of the tournament."
My First PSL Match:
"My first match in the Premier Soccer League was against Sundowns while I was playing for Wits. Sundowns still had players like Roger Feutmba, who I remember sizing me up from head to toe. Even today, he reminds me of that day.
"When I came on, we were already leading 2-0 at Milpark; Sam Magalefa had scored both goals."
My First Goal:
"I scored my first goal against Moroka Swallows, a team that my family loved—my father was a big Swallows fan. That day, I scored a brace at Rand Stadium."
My First Individual Award:
"I received the Young Player of the Season award at Wits around 2005."
My First Trophy with a Club:
"My first trophy with a club was the league title with Sundowns in 2007."
My First Car:
"My first car was a 200 i.s. Opel Kadett. I fell in love with that car after seeing a lady driving it around. I asked her to sell it to me for R10,000, and she did."
My First Signing-On Fee:
"I received my first signing-on fee at Sundowns, and it was a substantial amount for me—around R140,000. It helped with house renovations at home."
Photo by Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images