From practising barefoot as a junior to helping Richards Bay FC gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League
Asanda Dyani is a product of Young Bafana Soccer Academy. BRENDAN MAGAAR African News Agency (ANA)
Cape Town - Short of stature yet fiery at heart, Asanda Dyani’s determination sets him apart from the rest.
The Young Bafana Soccer Academy product went from training without shoes and having to walk many kilometres to the training ground by foot to helping Richards Bay FC win the National First Division (NFD) and gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit finished the league on 54 points, which included 14 wins, 12 draws and four losses.
Dyani said playing for Young Bafana Soccer Academy was the breakthrough in his career.
“They did everything for me, from buying boots to helping me with my studies. I’ve also learnt discipline outside football, how to take care of myself as a soccer player. While playing for Young Bafana I won a few league titles.
“I was not thinking much when playing barefoot because I knew what I wanted at the time and I was hungry to become a professional player, which kept me motivated.”
After leaving Young Bafana Soccer Academy in 2018, he played for a number of clubs, including Free State Stars FC’s NFD side, now defunct Cape Umoya FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC’s DStv Diski Challenge side before joining Richards Bay FC in 2021.
“I have been playing in the NFD for four seasons and finally I got the chance to win the NFD title. I feel like it was my time and I deserve to win this league. I am grateful and know that my hard work pays off.
“I am happy for the team and myself as it is a dream come true. I never thought this would happen to me. It was a long journey, which was not easy and I was affected mentally at times, when things were not going well.
“I know the PSL will not be easy. I know teams will come for us because we are a newly promoted team. We will not be doing much talking and will surprise them on the field of play. We will be fighting on the highest level to survive in the league and it will be a mental challenge.”
He is a fan of South Africa footballer Thulani Serero, who plays for Abu Dhabi-based Al Jazira Club in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Pro League. They are currently fourth on the log.
“He is a very dedicated and humble soccer player,” he added.
Founder of Young Bafana Academy and manager of Dyani, Bernd Steinhage said he is a very skilful, fast and talented winger.
“Words cannot describe how much of a role model he is to the future generation of Young Bafana soccer players from the Lwandle township.
“He has proven that if you are disciplined, listen to your coaches, stay at the academy that has your best interest at heart and do not allow yourself to follow empty promises of so-called ‘scouts’, anything is possible. It is unreal, yet somehow I always knew he would make it to the top flight in South African football.
“To all the youngsters out there, work hard, follow your dreams and remember, soccer is not everything in life. School, education and having a Plan B are more important,” he said.