They call him the Xavi of the South African under-17 team; nicknamed after the Barcelona and Spain FIFA World Cup winner Xavi Hernández. He may only be 16 years old but Amajimbos captain Nelson Maluleke has even got himself a small tattoo emblazoned on his left hand - "Xavi".
He hopes to emulate his Spanish superstar into South African and African football stardom and the U17 championship has thrust upon the diminutive playmaker the platform for his first steps into African football luminosity.
Niger 2015 has seen the young Amajimbos playmaker showcase his "shibobo" skills, dribbling mastery, innovation, incredible vision and leadership. Added to the mastery of his footwork, Maluleke has an eye for goal. He is joint second leading scorer on two goals and the final match gives him another opportunity to add to his tally.
He hopes to emulate his Spanish superstar into South African and African football stardom and the U17 championship has thrust upon the diminutive playmaker the platform for his first steps into African football luminosity.
Niger 2015 has seen the young Amajimbos playmaker showcase his "shibobo" skills, dribbling mastery, innovation, incredible vision and leadership. Added to the mastery of his footwork, Maluleke has an eye for goal. He is joint second leading scorer on two goals and the final match gives him another opportunity to add to his tally.
As Amajimbos take on Mali's Eaglets at the Stade Seyni Kountche to pull the curtains on a hugely successful and thrilling 11th edition of the CAFU17 championship on Sunday, Maluleke has no hesitation in declaring that "Amajimbos will win".
Nelson Maluleke
Date of Birth: 01 April 1998
Current club: Supersport (RSA)
"It's our first final as South Africa and for me this is a tournament we were dreaming about. This was our dream, to be in the final. Right now, we are not thinking about losing. For me as captain, I'm learning, there is pressure on the captain. All eyes are on you as captain and you have to do better on the field of play. On Sunday, from the first minute of the final, we will go at them; we won't give them any chance because if you give Mali space and chances, they can punish you. We have played them already and we know what to do. We will win this match."
"On a personal level, my inspiration is Xavi of Spain. I like him and look to emulate him because I play like him. That is why they call me Xavi in the team and my height is like his, so I want to play and win like him and the only thing to say in the end is for South Africa to continue supporting us because we're going to surprise them."
Nelson Maluleke
Date of Birth: 01 April 1998
Current club: Supersport (RSA)
"It's our first final as South Africa and for me this is a tournament we were dreaming about. This was our dream, to be in the final. Right now, we are not thinking about losing. For me as captain, I'm learning, there is pressure on the captain. All eyes are on you as captain and you have to do better on the field of play. On Sunday, from the first minute of the final, we will go at them; we won't give them any chance because if you give Mali space and chances, they can punish you. We have played them already and we know what to do. We will win this match."
"On a personal level, my inspiration is Xavi of Spain. I like him and look to emulate him because I play like him. That is why they call me Xavi in the team and my height is like his, so I want to play and win like him and the only thing to say in the end is for South Africa to continue supporting us because we're going to surprise them."
By: Cafonline.com
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