Publications
Partners
While most premier division clubs scout for ready-made players, Baroka FC have always looked for potential, scouring even the lowest leagues for talent.
Vusi Sibiya is the latest to be handed the transition from amateur ranks straight into the elite league.
The 24-year-old barely had time to adapt after he joined Bakgaga from Varsity Football champions Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) two months ago, but he has since taken to the premiership like a duck to water.
“I didn’t see this one coming because I was focusing on school when the opportunity to play in the PSL came,” admitted Sibiya, who converted one of his team’s spot kicks in Baroka’s 3-2 penalties win over Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout final last weekend.
The lad from Soshanguve, Pretoria, has proven on a number of occasions that he has the talent to succeed in the elite league.
The big defender has become the fulcrum of the Baroka defence, where his presence – literally and figuratively – makes the difference.
This week, Sibiya had Mamelodi Sundowns striker Jeremy Brockie in his back pocket, having bottled Orlando Pirates forward Justin Shonga in the Telkom Knockout final a few days earlier.
“I am adapting well because I play the same football I used to play at TUT,” Sibiya told City Press after another excellent shift in the heart of Baroka’s defence during their goalless draw against Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday.
He attributed his settling down at Baroka to the team’s assistant coach, Bushy Moloi, and reserve goalkeeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube, who were also recruited from TUT.
Although he idolises rugged Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, Sibiya’s rise compares well with that of the younger France defender Raphaël Varane, who plays alongside Ramos at the Spanish La Liga giant.
Like Varane, Sibiya possesses the hallmarks of an intelligent defender – he’s confident on the ball, has good organisational skills and is always central to his team’s build-ups from the back.
“The coaches trust me, so all I have to do is play my part to the best of my ability,” he said.
“I am also grateful to my experienced team-mates, such as Thabiso Semenya, for the guidance,” said the soft-spoken player, who is from a football family.
His older brother, Sipho, is in the books of NFD rookies Maccabi FC.
Vusi has played every minute of Baroka’s official matches so far, since head coach Wedson Nyirenda handed him his debut in the 1-0 loss to Bloemfontein Celtic in late October.
Said Nyirenda of his novice: “He is really an amazing player. Young as he is, he comes into the PSL for the first time and takes the whole responsibility of keeping us safe at the back.
“It can only be an intelligent player who can do that. Vusi is a disciplined player and he is going far. I think he is one of the players who the South African national team needs.”
As much as Sibiya is tipped for bigger things, he vowed to carry on with his studies despite his transition into a professional player.
“Football doesn’t have guarantees because, say, once you get a career-ending injury, everyone forgets about you. So I will continue with my studies for back-up,” said the BTech management student.
Sibiya and his team-mates will host Bidvest Wits at Peter Mokaba Stadium in today’s only Absa Premiership fixture.
