Sowetan

Dube inspired by near miss at PSL awards

Arrows starlet keen to repay club’s faith

- By Sihle Ndebele

For Lamontvill­e Golden Arrows defender Siyabonga Dube, not winning the Nedbank Cup Young Player of the Tournament award at the PSL awards a fortnight ago was encouragem­ent to work even harder in the new season.

“Not winning the award was a blessing because from now on I will work even harder. It would have been an amazing thing if I won but there were some positives. I am now encouraged to put in more effort in my game. For the fact that my work was recognised through the nomination, I am grateful,’’ Dube told Sowetan yesterday.

The award was taken home by his Arrows teammate Nduduzo Sibiya and the 21year-old feels he deserved it more and his achievemen­ts will serve as an inspiratio­n to all Abafana Bes’thende players heading into the new Premiershi­p campaign.

“Sibiya did very well in the Nedbank Cup and I was not surprised to see him winning the award. He is my friend I was very happy for him. The whole team was encouraged to work hard because that was a testimony that hard work pays,” said the Durban-born right back.

Arrows have been consistent in developing their own players rather than buying big names and Dube, a product of this system, believes it is high time the club’s developmen­t products lived up to their potential.

“The only thing we must do as young players [who have come through the ranks] is to reward the management by winning something this season.

“Arrows have shown belief in the young player and now we must try and win trophies to [show we] appreciate that.’’

‘‘ I am now encouraged to put in more effort in my game

 ?? / GERHARD DURAAN/BACKPAGEPI­X ?? Siyabonga Dube of Lamontvill­e Golden Arrows.
/ GERHARD DURAAN/BACKPAGEPI­X Siyabonga Dube of Lamontvill­e Golden Arrows.

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