Zama living a dream life

IT’S been two months since Zama Rambuwane left South Africa to ply his trade in Israel and, by the sounds of it, the 19-yearold is having a good time.

With the help of Zambian-born teammate Emmanuel Embola, the former SuperSport United midfielder has been able to settle in the Middle Eastern country and at his club Hapoel Ra’anana, an outfit established in 1938 and based in Netanya.

The Alexandra-born midfielder joins Tsepo Masilela, Bevan Fransman and Dino Ndlovu on the list of South Africans who have played in Israel.

Israel is a very good country and a country passionate about football. I have settled in quickly because the people I have met are friendly. It helped me to perform because I felt welcomed and happy. In my free time I do extra work in the gym and I play video games. I am still learning the language, said Rambuwane.

The guy who made me settle in well is my teammate from Zambia, Emmanuel Embola. I have played four games and I would say the league is strong. It’s a big club and a good team. I would compare it with Ajax.”

Rambuwane, who joined the SuperSport academy in 2012, made his PSL debut last season under former Matsatsantsa coach Gordon Igesund and played a couple of matches when Stuart Baxter was appointed in January.

Impressed by what they saw from Rambuwane while on trial, Ra’anana signed the youngster on a season-long loan, with an option to make it permanent.

I was very happy because playing overseas has been my dream. I kept telling myself that I would work hard till I go overseas. I was nervous, but it was something that I wanted all my life, so I put my nerves aside and did my best,” he said. Ra’anana finished sixth in the Israeli Premier League last season and they are 11th in the current campaign after six matches.

Rambuwane, who has been in and out of the national under-20 team, is hoping national selectors are keeping a close eye on him.

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