Adonis inspires Ubuntu to greater heights
UBUNTU Cape Town have been in outstanding form of late. After propping up the National First Division (NFD) standings for quite a while, their recent results and performances have seen the team rocket up to 12th on the log. In addition to that, the rookie club caused a major surprise last month when they eliminated PSL opponents Polokwane City from the Nedbank Cup.
Now, in the round of last 16 of the Cup competition, Ubuntu face yet another tough PSL challenge against AmaZulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Friday.
So what has been at the root of this remarkable turnaround at Ubuntu? A significant element is that the new club has now adapted to football at this level, so the players have been able to express themselves better and there has certainly been far greater commitment in recent weeks. But, most definitely, the improvement has come on the back of the addition of three highly promising loan signings – Duncan Adonis (from Cape Town City) and Khanyiso Mayo and Kamohelo Mahlatsi (both from SuperSport United).
Mayo is the son of former Kaizer Chiefs star Patrick Mayo, Mahlatsi was the Player of the Year at last year’s Bayhill U19 tournament, while Adonis has long been spoken of as a footballer going places. The three youngsters have come to Ubuntu to grow their senior experience, but they have done more than that – they are also inspiring the team to greater heights.
Ubuntu was established as an NFD team last season when they purchased the status of FC Cape Town. The club has its roots in the Ubuntu Football Academy, which was started in 2011. The club’s primary focus is on development and they have commitment to providing opportunities for emerging footballers.
Adonis, now 19 years old, is from Hout Bay and had junior stints at Milano, Hellenic and FC Cape Town. For now, though, Adonis is focused on his Ubuntu loan spell and he is determined to assist the club to achieve its goals.
“We are very positive going into the AmaZulu game,” said Adonis. “As a club, we know what we want to achieve, and we want to prove people wrong.
“Yes, we are a First Division team, but we believe we can do something against AmaZulu. I watched AmaZulu when they lost to Sundowns recently, and they are a good side. They work very hard as a team, so we are aware that we have to respect them. But we are certainly going into the game with the belief that we can win.”
Adonis is happy for the opportunity of regular football and he realises he’s now in the shop window to exhibit what he can do on a football field.
“I came to Ubuntu to get more game time and build my experience as a player,” he said. “It’s been good here. I’ve adapted easily. There is a good spirit and culture at the club, it’s like a family and I’m really enjoying my time at Ubuntu. I’ve been playing regularly. They use me in a free midfield role and I’m committed to doing my best for them.
“It’s an opportunity for me to get more game time and for my talent to be seen. I’ll return to City at the end of the season and we’ll see what happens then. But, obviously, it’s every young footballer’s dream to play overseas – I’m no different. I’m in no rush, though, and right now I’m just happy to be playing regularly.”