In this edition of My First, former Mahwelereng Real Rovers and Ria Stars striker Jacky Ledwaba shares his early life experiences with KickOff.
Ledwaba is currently an assistant coach at Betway Premiership club Magesi FC.
My First School:
"I attended Segooa-Kgala Primary School in Mahwelereng. Like any young boy, I cried on my first day. I was only six years old at the time."
My First Kiss:
"I can't remember it clearly, but I think I was eight years old. It was just a typical moment of being mischievous as children."
My First Soccer Boots:
"My first boots were adidas Argentina. I got them when I was 12 years old and still in primary school. My uncle bought them for me, and I was so excited because Argentina was very popular back then."
My First PSL Match:
"My first match in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) was against Jomo Cosmos in Benoni while playing for Mahwelereng Real Rovers in 1995. I was 18 years old at the time. I don't remember the final score, but I do know it was broadcast live on TV. I experienced a bit of stage fright since it was such a big opportunity, especially playing alongside players like Gerald Raphahlela, Andries Sebola, Mandla Mabena, and Mpangi Merikani."
My First Red Card:
"I received my first and only red card while playing for City Pillars at Peter Mokaba Stadium. It happened due to two tackles, resulting in a second yellow card. Can you imagine? I had just come on as a substitute!"
My First Goal:
"I never scored a goal in the PSL because I was primarily used as a winger. I only began playing as a striker when I joined Ria Stars on loan."
My First Own Goal:
"I’ve never scored an own goal."
My First Individual Award:
"While at Dynamos, I became the team's top goalscorer, netting 18 goals during the season they were promoted. I was supposed to be recognized as the top goalscorer in both the NFD and the PSL."
My First Trophy With A Club:
"I won the NFD league trophy with Dynamos."
My First Car:
"My first car was a Toyota Conquest RSi. I bought it for R50,000 from some friends in Johannesburg."
My First Signing-On Fee:
"My first signing-on fee was R300,000 at Zulu Royals, and I used it for various things [laughs]. I bought myself some new clothes."
