In this edition of Where Are They Now, KickOff has successfully tracked down former Mpumalanga Black Aces player Sibusiso 'Pepino' Nhlapo.
Nhlapo spent most of his football career in the National First Division, playing for clubs like Winners Park, Benoni Premier United, Sivutsa Stars, Chippa United, and FC AK.
Unfortunately, his football career was cut short due to a head injury he sustained in a car accident.
At which club did you enjoy your football the most?
"I enjoyed my football at Benoni United, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Chippa United, and Winners Park."
Are you happy with your playing days?
"I achieved most of the goals I was dreaming of. I managed to support my family through my football career and even made the Amabinneplaas team. Many people have never played for a national team in their football careers. I was even the best striker in the NFD."
Did you make money from football?
"I did, but not a lot—just enough to survive. It was enough to feed my family. The only time I got paid a significant amount was at FC AK. Azziz Kara offered big salaries; mine was R27 000. My signing bonus was R250 000, but we were only paid for the first two months, after which his bank accounts were frozen. He met the same fate as Royal AM."
Where are you currently living?
"I'm back in my hometown (ekasi), where we are training children alongside Cyril Nzama here in Rockville. The Stellenbosch attacker Langelihle Phili is one of our products."
What job puts food on your table?
"I earn my income from the coaching clinics that Cyril Nzama and I conduct, where we often train young football players. Stanton Frederick is in charge of those clinics."
When did you officially retire?
"I retired from playing in 2013 after the car accident. I was hit by a car and suffered a head injury."
If you could do it all again?
"I would make sure to work hard and aim to represent my country at the highest level, like the World Cup. I would strive to put South Africa on the map."
Photo by Peter Heeger / Gallo Images