Former Bafana Bafana international and Olando Pirates midfielder Dumisani ‘Siphithiphithi’ Ngobe, is grateful that he can still put food on the table, after retiring from professional football. Ngobe who played internationaly in Vietnam before returning to South Africa in 2008, was forced to retire from football in 2008 by then-Mpumalanga Black Aces head coach Aiki Agiomamitis, and joined Aiki as assistant coach.

But like many football professionals, he didn’t have any plan beyond football. The 47 year old, says had it not being for the opportunity of being developed as Sports and Recreational Officer, by Emalahleni Local Municipality, his life would have been different. During his playing days, Dumisani was a player blessed with unbelievable powerful shootings, and his long passes were marvel to watch.

He began his football career at Kaizer Chiefs, when Screamer Tshabalala was still the football manager for Amakhosi. He later moved to Orlando Pirates after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, and not agreeing on salary with Mamelodi Sundowns. With international and local experience, Dumisa was trained and developed by the munipality, to facilitate sport in the province.

Ngobe remains one of the fortunate former professional footballers, he adds value by continuing with sport, but for the local government. He remains humble and continue living in the local township Lynnville with his wife and kids.