Veteran striker prepares for life in Motsepe league
Defenders used to tremble in their boots whenever Collins Mbesuma made his marauding runs into the penalty box. In his prime as a goal-scoring machine for Kaizer Chiefs, Mbesuma was a sight to behold.
Perhaps the most prolific striker to grace South African football in the PSL era. These days the Zambian affectionately known as “Ntofontofo” is looking to make ABC Motsepe League side Maccabi FC his home, but he has been waiting for a work permit.
“Football is my life and I will not retire until I have had enough. I am not yet ready,” Mbesuma said jokingly.
“I have been without a club for a few months now since I got a knee injury in November so I just want to play football. I am waiting for my papers now.
“I got injured last year and the club was not willing to wait for me to recover from my injury.
So worked hard to get back to fitness on my own.” Last season Mbesuma was with Highlands Park, who released him from his contract after getting injured.
Maccabi are on top of the Gauteng conference of the third-tier league. They lead with 52 points from 26 games.
The former Zambia international feels strikers nowadays do not work hard enough to hone their craft.
“For me it’s all about practice. All those things I used to do on the field, I first did it in practice. I would always stay behind [after] training with someone to help me – either a goalkeeper or defender.”
Maccabi co-owner James Ndlovu feels Mbesuma would boost the team’s chances in the playoffs for promotion to the National First Division (NFD).
“He is currently training with us,” Ndlovu confirmed. I