CHIEFS REJECT IS THE STAR OF THE SHOW AT BAROKA

Mdantsane previously played for Kaizer Chiefs in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge, but failed to make the grade at Naturena, joining Baroka after they were promoted to the Premiership ahead of the 2016-17 season. He had a quiet first campaign, making just two league starts, but his fortunes changed in 2017-18 when he featured in all 30 Premiership games, form he has carried on into this campaign. He is enjoying life under Zambian coach Wedson Nyirenda, who he says gives players freedom to be decision-makers on the pitch. “The coach wants us to be free and calm,” he told reporters. “This brings out the best in players because once you apply these two aspects to your game, you naturally enjoy it.”

Born in Leandra, Mpumalanga, Mdantsane is enjoying the best form of his career now, but admits it has been a tough path to success. His mother died when he was 16 and he turned to alcohol for comfort, until a neighbour stepped in to put the young man straight and won him a trial with Chiefs.

“I was raised by my grandparents from my mother’s side because my father abandoned me when I was still very young,” Mdantsane said.

“uBab’ Mnguni (his neighbor) is the one who encouraged me and took me to Chiefs. I don’t want to disappoint these people.”

In the 16 months since the start of last season, Mdantsane has featured in 51 games for Baroka, every single one that the club has played over that period, and that’s a record no other player in the league can match.

The Limpopo club are in action tonight away at Mamelodi Sundowns with Mdantsane likely to be an influential figure for them again.