What my dad taught me, reveals ex-Chiefs youngster | Breaking News

Fathers typically play a vital part in every child’s life, a role that can have an enormous impact on a child and help shape them into the person they become.

Tsiki Ntsabeleng’s dad River Ntsabeleng played such a role to perfection as he was present throughout the player’s life.

The former Kaizer Chiefs youth development midfielder, now at Major League side FC Dallas was first introduced to the beautiful game by his father, River.

The young Ntsabeleng even slept with a soccer ball on his pillow in those days. “I think that’s how I truly fell in love with the game,” he said.

“(The Dallas contract) means a lot to me, especially for me and my dad,” added Ntsabeleng.

“He taught me to always believe in hard work and sacrifice. This contract is dedicated to him. This means a lot to my family and me, and it’s once step closer to the other big goals I have in life.”

Ntsabeleng joined the Stars of Africa Football Academy at the age of 14, where he stayed for two years before joining the reserve team of Chiefs. His next stop was the University of Johannesburg, where he was impressed and invited to the SA U-20 team.

Kyle Timm, a Joburg native, witnessed Ntsabeleng at SA U-20s and was dazzled enough to offer the 19-year-old a scholarship to the University of Coastal Carolina, where Timm was an assistant coach.

Ntsabeleng played two seasons for the Chanticleers and graduated with a degree in Sports and Fitness Administration. He went on to enrol at Oregon State University, where he would have two successful seasons with the Beavers.

With an All-Pac-12 First Team recognition to his name, Ntsabeleng entered the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, taken 29th overall by FC Dallas.

“Once I saw my name (drafted), I was speechless. I didn’t know how to react,” he said. “It’s like a dream come true. I’ve been working so hard for this, so to see it happen right in front of me it’s amazing.”

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