Swallows FC coach Dylan Kerr has opened up on what prompted him to finally grant Thandani Ntshumayelo his Birds debut in the 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at the weekend.
Ntshumayelo, affectionately known as ‘Bibo’, burst onto the scene as one of the hottest prospects in South Africans but has failed to live up to the hype or fully realise his undoubted potential due to disciplinary issues.
The Free-State born playmaker began his professional career at SuperSport United in 2009 before joining Orlando Pirates in 2012 where he made 78 appearances and became a fan favourite.
However, in 2016, it all came crashing down for Ntshumayelo when he was banned for four months after testing positive for cocaine.
The three-capped Bafana Bafana international was thrown a lifeline by Baroka FC upon return from the ban but failed to show the required work ethic needed to get back to the form that made him one of the most sought-after players in the country and was subsequently released by Bakgaga after making just a handful appearances.
‘Bibo’ was then given another chances by the Birds when he joined last year July. After making his long-awaited bow on Saturday, Kerr said the reason he finally decided to pick him was because he is finally showing the hunger and desire to reach his potential and make the most of the rest of his career.
“I wasn’t scared to play him [Bibo]. His attitude and the way he’s been played a role in me playing him. I often say to the players, ‘you’re not playing, come and see me, and I will tell you why’ and Bibo comes every day and says, ‘coach, I am not in the squad’. He does that every single day,” Kerr told FarPost.
“He [Ntshumayelo] didn’t look rusty. His fitness level isn’t the same as everybody else’s, but now he’s got that chance to come back and make that position his own. He’s been through a lot of personal problems, and Swallows brought him back, giving him the opportunity. He’s been great in the dressing room; he’s been great on the training field.
Kerr added: “Fani may have said Grant may be the better option, but what I have seen from Bibo in training [made him to play the former Orlando Pirates star]. He’s hungry, he’s keen, and he showed that today. When he’s on the ball, he’s clever. He did his job, which he was asked to do.”
