Work hard and be dedicated, says Mushadu

Albert “Bwala” Mushadu was a workaholic and a speedy striker who gave his opponents sleepless nights, but he was also one of the most dedicated soccer players of the era in which he played.

Mushadu started his football career at Khakhu Fast XI in the nineties. The team was competing in the Niani Football Association before being promoted to the Great North East Province in the Solly’s League at that stage.

To him the most memorable match was against Black Leopards when he was still playing for Fast XI. Khakhu beat Leopards 2-1 in the McCoy’s tournament.

He played alongside stars such as Master Ramalamula, Alugumi Ramarumo, Nyaweleni Khakhu, Toy Kutama, Shoes Tshilate, Nana Masase, Colly Chauke, Dennis Mazibane, Chigo Bila, Salthiel Phasha, Ivy Mathuba and many more.

Mushadu played with teams such as Shayandimna Bobs Stars, Thohoyandou ISD, Tshiozwi Dynamos, Madombidzha Try Again, Mavambe Highlanders, Giyani United, Makwarela United Scientists, Lwamondo Moon Rovers and many more.

When, with his help, his team was promoted to the national third division, he was recruited by Zacks Mathelemusa to join Black Leopards. He said that when Peter Rabali bought Dynamos, he was approached to join the team by coach Ettiene Eshete. He then played alongside the likes of Josam Ndou, Mike Rapatsa, Vincent Sokhela, Botende Eshele, Bolly Maimela, Magic Ratshivhadelo and many more.

He later joined Mapate Silver Stars, a team that was owned by the late Joseph Mapfulagatsha and coached by Owen Da Gama. After playing for Stars for two years, he went back to Leopards, helping them to gain promotion to the elite league.

Mushadu is currently working for a company in Gauteng.

He urged young players to work hard and to stay away from drugs and illegal actions, as it will hamper their careers. He reckons today’s youth keep things simple, but often lack dedication.

“Soccer is so highly commercialised. The players focus on quick money, and one thing that I feel disturbed about is that the players move regularly between different teams. This is confusing to the fans,” he added.

Mushadu believes youngsters need to put in more hard work if they want to excel in their football careers. “Youngsters out there must know that it is not going to be easy. You need to be patient if you want to go far and believe in what you are doing and associate yourself with the right people.”

Sport - Date: 05 September 2020

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]