Ivan Mahangwahaya success in football comes by a dint of sheer hard-work. He is clearly exemplary role model and will definitely instill key character traits in young stars who are following in his footsteps, because he has proved beyond doubt that perseverance pays off. Today The Only Truth website puts Mahangwahaya on a spot and reveal all you want to know about your favorite player:
Selaelo: where did you start playing football?
Mahangwahaya: well, some of the things I might not remember because it has been a very long time. Basically, everyone starts locally, so I started playing at my home team Dragon Stars FC. You know, in the olden days football was mostly played by old people, actually ‘older men’. I started playing when I was 12 years old, playing amongst men, because at some point I played football with my two elder brothers and my uncle. I also played football in the streets, in Ravele village and also at school level. I then played for Highlanders FC under 17, in a league sponsored by lottery South Africa. Lottery used to sponsor us with jerseys which were branded lottery, and it was oversized jerseys for an under 17 player, so no one in the team had his size that can fit perfectly.
Selaelo: hahaha I see those Lottery jerseys
Mahangwahaya: yes, and we played well and took position one on the log. I think I played two seasons at Highlanders FC, and in the past when you have played for Dragon FC, you wouldn’t be allowed to also play for Highlanders FC, but I was the first one to do so. Then, I was promoted to the senior team, things didn’t work out, and I went back to Dragon Stars, the team was struggling and we started it afresh and I ended up becoming the owner. During my time as the owner of Dragon Stars, we won the league in 2006-2007 season, and I still have that trophy in my cabinet at home.
Selaelo: interesting...
Mahangwahaya: Yes, I then went to Benny’s Care during my secondary schooling, and played for Benny’s Care, I later became the captain of the team, given the arm-band by Wiseman Maluleke who is currently at Polokwane City. I then quit playing football and became a coach of Razwimisani Special School footballing team, where I coached people who are differently abled. The team performed well to such an extent that we went to Polokwane where we beat all Provincial districts and ultimately represented the Province in Stellenbosch, where we were beaten by Mpumalanga province and missed out on a chance to go to Greece. At some stages during those tournaments, I played as a player coach, and that is where I started believing in myself again. Remember, I quit playing football from 2009 to 2010. So in 2011, that passion, zeal and hunger was revitalised, and that is when I went for Black Leopards trials where I was competing with about 500 trialists.
Selaelo: jaa neeh!
Mahangwahaya: Yes, at the trials we had People like Phumudzo Manenzhe who were also doing trials, I was given a chance to play in the last 10 minutes of the game, but I was not selected. There I was, seating down minding my own things when Black Leopards Development Coach Moses Muthelo came to me and asked for my numbers, although I was not selected he saw something special in me. I gave him my friend’s (Thabo Mamphaga) number because I didn’t have a phone, and said he will call me.
Selaelo: mmm
Mahangwahaya: The coach did call Mamphaga and asked him to tell me to come because the development side league was recommencing. The side was playing at Vodacom at the time, which is the third division of the league. Our first game before the league resumed, we played against Black Leopard senior team, and that is when Sunday Chidzambwa recommended that I should be signed. I remember “Mukalaha” (David Thidiela) saying “He is our player, playing for the development team, so I don’t see any problem. Let us keep on monitoring his progress”. After two seasons at Leopards development things didn’t work out according to plan, I then asked for my clearance, which was denied. I then went to Dynamos FC for trials, and the team was playing in the NFD coached by Joel Masutha. That is where I met Phumudzo Manenzhe again doing trials, and during those trials Phumudzo would be playing as a striker while I was playing behind as a second striker. That is where we connected and started to know each other, but of course I knew Phumudzo as he played for Orlando Pirates. Then Dynamos decided that they wanted to sign me but it was difficult because I still had clearance issues with leopards. Look I ended up going back home, there is a PSL DC case that I won which is a public knowledge. Black Leopards got relegated from PSL and Dynamos relegated from NFD, then David Thidiela called me and said I must come back and that the team had a new coach who was Costa Papic.
Selaelo: Go on!
Mahangwahaya: I went for another trials at leopards, I remember being rejected for close to five times, like I would be called and after playing the coach would say I am a good player but the problem is my age. At the time there was under 23 year’s age rule in the NFD and I was 25, and the coach would say that at my age he wanted someone with experience. I was called again and I pushed myself harder and performed very well, and I was selected among players who would face Moroka swallows, a week before the league resume.
Selaelo: mmm!
Mahangwahaya: I remember when I went to the dressing room, I saw David Zulu who was part of the starting line-up but not at the pitch during the warm ups, seemingly not feeling well, I think he was having a running stomach or something, and I realised that he won’t be able to play. I then went to Joel Masutha and reported the matter, and he said to me “go quickly to the pitch and play and the coach won’t notice”. I then went and warmed up, then played the game and I scored two goals in 15 minutes, then the coach Papic immediately substituted me as someone who was not performing. The coach didn’t see that I was the one who scored those two goals.
Selaelo: hahaha hai Vhanna!
Mahangwahaya: like seriously, God works in a mysterious ways. Then after I was substituted, Swallows equalised. Lerato Chabangu scored two goals and equalised, his first goal was through a free-kick while the other one he dribble past defenders and scored. At the end of the game we drew 4-4.
When we went to the hotel, Chief Thidiela who also attended the match and saw me scoring those two goals, went to the coach and suggested that I should sign, he said to the coach that I scored two goals. Papic said “I didn’t see him scoring”. After that the coach asked for forgiveness and said let us go and sign. That night I signed a 5 year contract, and that is where my professional career kick-started. During those 5 years, together with my former team mates we helped Leopards gain promotion to the PSL.
Selaelo: Now tell us about your time at Bidvest Wits, and how are adjusting?
Mahangwahaya: When I came to Wits, I sustained an injury two months after signing. I have just played my debut game against Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knock out cup. I think I am not yet 100% fit, I created few chances, but there are things that one reflects on after the game and try hard to improve. I am adjusting very well, it is much easier when I have players like Phathutshedzo Nange, we were signed together from Black Leopard, so we are very close. At training, they respect us because we have been in this game for so long, a lot of players know about us. For example we played against former Jomo Cosmos players like Thabang Monare, and Nonyane in the NFD (National First Division). It is very difficult to adjust in a team, when you are unknown or from a different country.
Selaelo: Were there any other teams in the league interested in your services before you signed for Wits?
Mahangwahaya: Of course, there are teams that were interested, but when I learned that Wits is also interested, I had to consider them, I mean a big team is a big team.
Selaelo: Any advice for young-stars out there?
Mahangwahaya: I would say stick to what you know, during my journey in football I had dreams, like I saw myself playing in the PSL. Today it is a dream come true, so I had a dream which I realised. You can’t just jump all the way to the PSL from nowhere, I mean it is very rare. You must be willing to learn from other people, I learnt a lot from people like Phumudzo Manenzhe. As young-stars I feel they should not be afraid to approach legends of the game for advice. If there is trial at Leopards or any other team, they must go there and not be afraid because football is not for spoilt-brats. As much as you are ready celebrate success you must also be ready to receive rejection.
Selaelo: Mahangwahaya thank you so much for you time
Mahangwahaya: Any time!
By: Selaelo Ramavhale
If you have something to say, Clik comment button to add you view.
Ivan Mahangwahaya success in football comes by a dint of sheer hard-work. He is clearly exemplary role model and will definitely instill key character traits in young stars who are following in his footsteps, because he has proved beyond doubt that perseverance pays off. Today The Only Truth website puts Mahangwahaya on a spot and reveal all you want to know about your favorite player:
Selaelo: where did you start playing football?
Mahangwahaya: well, some of the things I might not remember because it has been a very long time. Basically, everyone starts locally, so I started playing at my home team Dragon Stars FC. You know, in the olden days football was mostly played by old people, actually ‘older men’. I started playing when I was 12 years old, playing amongst men, because at some point I played football with my two elder brothers and my uncle. I also played football in the streets, in Ravele village and also at school level. I then played for Highlanders FC under 17, in a league sponsored by lottery South Africa. Lottery used to sponsor us with jerseys which were branded lottery, and it was oversized jerseys for an under 17 player, so no one in the team had his size that can fit perfectly.
Selaelo: hahaha I see those Lottery jerseys
Mahangwahaya: yes, and we played well and took position one on the log. I think I played two seasons at Highlanders FC, and in the past when you have played for Dragon FC, you wouldn’t be allowed to also play for Highlanders FC, but I was the first one to do so. Then, I was promoted to the senior team, things didn’t work out, and I went back to Dragon Stars, the team was struggling and we started it afresh and I ended up becoming the owner. During my time as the owner of Dragon Stars, we won the league in 2006-2007 season, and I still have that trophy in my cabinet at home.
Selaelo: interesting...
Mahangwahaya: Yes, I then went to Benny’s Care during my secondary schooling, and played for Benny’s Care, I later became the captain of the team, given the arm-band by Wiseman Maluleke who is currently at Polokwane City. I then quit playing football and became a coach of Razwimisani Special School footballing team, where I coached people who are differently abled. The team performed well to such an extent that we went to Polokwane where we beat all Provincial districts and ultimately represented the Province in Stellenbosch, where we were beaten by Mpumalanga province and missed out on a chance to go to Greece. At some stages during those tournaments, I played as a player coach, and that is where I started believing in myself again. Remember, I quit playing football from 2009 to 2010. So in 2011, that passion, zeal and hunger was revitalised, and that is when I went for Black Leopards trials where I was competing with about 500 trialists.
Selaelo: jaa neeh!
Mahangwahaya: Yes, at the trials we had People like Phumudzo Manenzhe who were also doing trials, I was given a chance to play in the last 10 minutes of the game, but I was not selected. There I was, seating down minding my own things when Black Leopards Development Coach Moses Muthelo came to me and asked for my numbers, although I was not selected he saw something special in me. I gave him my friend’s (Thabo Mamphaga) number because I didn’t have a phone, and said he will call me.
Selaelo: mmm
Mahangwahaya: The coach did call Mamphaga and asked him to tell me to come because the development side league was recommencing. The side was playing at Vodacom at the time, which is the third division of the league. Our first game before the league resumed, we played against Black Leopard senior team, and that is when Sunday Chidzambwa recommended that I should be signed. I remember “Mukalaha” (David Thidiela) saying “He is our player, playing for the development team, so I don’t see any problem. Let us keep on monitoring his progress”. After two seasons at Leopards development things didn’t work out according to plan, I then asked for my clearance, which was denied. I then went to Dynamos FC for trials, and the team was playing in the NFD coached by Joel Masutha. That is where I met Phumudzo Manenzhe again doing trials, and during those trials Phumudzo would be playing as a striker while I was playing behind as a second striker. That is where we connected and started to know each other, but of course I knew Phumudzo as he played for Orlando Pirates. Then Dynamos decided that they wanted to sign me but it was difficult because I still had clearance issues with leopards. Look I ended up going back home, there is a PSL DC case that I won which is a public knowledge. Black Leopards got relegated from PSL and Dynamos relegated from NFD, then David Thidiela called me and said I must come back and that the team had a new coach who was Costa Papic.
Selaelo: Go on!
Mahangwahaya: I went for another trials at leopards, I remember being rejected for close to five times, like I would be called and after playing the coach would say I am a good player but the problem is my age. At the time there was under 23 year’s age rule in the NFD and I was 25, and the coach would say that at my age he wanted someone with experience. I was called again and I pushed myself harder and performed very well, and I was selected among players who would face Moroka swallows, a week before the league resume.
Selaelo: mmm!
Mahangwahaya: I remember when I went to the dressing room, I saw David Zulu who was part of the starting line-up but not at the pitch during the warm ups, seemingly not feeling well, I think he was having a running stomach or something, and I realised that he won’t be able to play. I then went to Joel Masutha and reported the matter, and he said to me “go quickly to the pitch and play and the coach won’t notice”. I then went and warmed up, then played the game and I scored two goals in 15 minutes, then the coach Papic immediately substituted me as someone who was not performing. The coach didn’t see that I was the one who scored those two goals.
Selaelo: hahaha hai Vhanna!
Mahangwahaya: like seriously, God works in a mysterious ways. Then after I was substituted, Swallows equalised. Lerato Chabangu scored two goals and equalised, his first goal was through a free-kick while the other one he dribble past defenders and scored. At the end of the game we drew 4-4.
When we went to the hotel, Chief Thidiela who also attended the match and saw me scoring those two goals, went to the coach and suggested that I should sign, he said to the coach that I scored two goals. Papic said “I didn’t see him scoring”. After that the coach asked for forgiveness and said let us go and sign. That night I signed a 5 year contract, and that is where my professional career kick-started. During those 5 years, together with my former team mates we helped Leopards gain promotion to the PSL.
Selaelo: Now tell us about your time at Bidvest Wits, and how are adjusting?
Mahangwahaya: When I came to Wits, I sustained an injury two months after signing. I have just played my debut game against Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knock out cup. I think I am not yet 100% fit, I created few chances, but there are things that one reflects on after the game and try hard to improve. I am adjusting very well, it is much easier when I have players like Phathutshedzo Nange, we were signed together from Black Leopard, so we are very close. At training, they respect us because we have been in this game for so long, a lot of players know about us. For example we played against former Jomo Cosmos players like Thabang Monare, and Nonyane in the NFD (National First Division). It is very difficult to adjust in a team, when you are unknown or from a different country.
Selaelo: Were there any other teams in the league interested in your services before you signed for Wits?
Mahangwahaya: Of course, there are teams that were interested, but when I learned that Wits is also interested, I had to consider them, I mean a big team is a big team.
Selaelo: Any advice for young-stars out there?
Mahangwahaya: I would say stick to what you know, during my journey in football I had dreams, like I saw myself playing in the PSL. Today it is a dream come true, so I had a dream which I realised. You can’t just jump all the way to the PSL from nowhere, I mean it is very rare. You must be willing to learn from other people, I learnt a lot from people like Phumudzo Manenzhe. As young-stars I feel they should not be afraid to approach legends of the game for advice. If there is trial at Leopards or any other team, they must go there and not be afraid because football is not for spoilt-brats. As much as you are ready celebrate success you must also be ready to receive rejection.
Selaelo: Mahangwahaya thank you so much for you time
Mahangwahaya: Any time!
By: Selaelo Ramavhale
If you have something to say, Clik comment button to add you view.
