A glittering career dimmed too soon
Peers, coaches say ‘Vicks’ was a rare breed and destined for greatness
Those who followed the MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) last season would agree that the late Maritzburg United youngster Mlondi “Vicks” Dlamini was a rare breed and destined for greatness.
Dlamini died in a car accident on his way to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday afternoon.
His friend and teammate Luyanda Ntshangase believes it was just a matter of time before his friend staked a claim in the Absa Premiership. The pair was officially promoted to the first team at the start of the season, although Dlamini had featured in six league games last season.
“It is still hard to accept that he is no more. I was expecting him to play for the first team this season. He was one of the most talented young players I know,” said Ntshangase.
The late 20-year-old skilful midfielder was not only admired by his peers, but his talent also caught the attention of opposition coaches.
Lamontville Golden Arrows Diski coach Nhlanhla Vilakazi revealed that he tried to sign Dlamini at some stage, comparing him to Mamelodi Sundowns superstar Khama Billiat.
“I wanted to sign him but Maritzburg could not allow him to join Arrows. He was very special. I likened him to Billiat because of his skills. Such talent is very rare,’’ stated Vilakazi.
Following his stellar performances for the young Team of Choice last season, Dlamini was nominated alongside Sundowns duo of Keletso Makgalwa and Motjeka Madisha for the reserve league’s player of the season award, but was beaten to the prize by Makgalwa. He was yet to play a match this season because of an injury.
By late yesterday, the PSL was among the many who had conveyed their condolences to the Dlamini family.