Royal AM’s evergreen winger Elias Pelembe has revealed his secret for longevity in the game.
The former SuperSport speedster says football addiction and keeping his body in shape were ingredients for his career longevity.
The 38-year-old told FARPost that he strives to ensure that he always is in the right physical shape.
“I am addicted to football, and that keeps me going. I am a winner. I want to win all the time. I love football. It is in my blood,” Pelembe told FARPost.
MAINTAINING WEIGHT
He added: “I ensure that my weight is right all the time. My body is my investment, so you must look after yourself.”
Pelembe said this when he reflected on his first goal of the season for Royal AM over the weekend.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns ace said he hopes to build on his first goal of the season.
“I am feeling good. It [goal] boosted my confidence to score more,” he said.
Pelembe added that he trains hard to ensure his career longevity.
“My body is my instrument, and I am fortunate that God protects me from serious injuries,” he said.
SCORING AGAINST MBABANE HIGHLANDERS
The Mozambican scored in the 2-0 win over Mbabane Highlanders in the Confederation Cup preliminary round.
The preliminary round second-leg win helped Royal AM progress to the first-round 2-0 on aggregate.
The two teams played the first-leg match two weeks ago in Eswatini, ending goalless.
Pelembe is in his 15th season in the top flight of South African football, and there are no signs of slowing down.
The Mambas winger arrived in South Africa in 2007 to sign for SuperSport and won several silverware.
His eye-catching performances swayed Tshwane rivals Sundowns, who came with an open chequebook to sign the winger.
The quick-heeled player would have stints with Bidvest Wits and Polokwane City before signing for Royal AM last season.
REPRESENTING MOZAMBIQUE IN SA
He is among very few Mozambicans gracing the fields of South Africa, alongside Kaizer Chiefs, left-back Edmilson Dove.
The Mambas captain made nine appearances and scored once across all competitions for Royal AM last campaign.
He told the media in South Africa that he had not set his retirement date yet because he feels strong enough to continue playing.
The midfielder remains the driving force for the Mambas attack in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
