Pirates shaped me

At just 29 years old, Nhlakanipho “Nanana” Ntuli has made a decision that many would find unthinkable – hanging up his boots while still in what most call a footballer’s prime. Once regarded as one of the brightest young prospects to emerge from the Orlando Pirates academy, Ntuli carried the weight of expectation from an early age. His career saw him test himself abroad in the Netherlands and Sweden, where he not only adapted to life in Europe but also wore the captain’s armband – a testament to his maturity and leadership. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina, Ntuli opens up about his past, his regrets, his philosophies in life and why he believes he’s leaving the game on his own terms.

- 

Nhlakanipho Ntuli: Pirates shaped me. Honestly, Pirates is a whole book on its own. If I ever write an autobiography, that chapter will be 20 pages minimum.

I went to Pirates trials three times before I finally got in. The first time, I thought I did well. But after training, coach Augusto Palacios told me straight: “You're lazy.” He didn't want me. I went home crushed. The second time, it was the same story. He said I wasn't disciplined enough. At that point, I started doubting myself. But then coach Mandla Qhogi, who worked with the development, came to my house and gave me another chance. Even then, I nearly didn’t make it. At U12 level, five coaches voted to release me because I was naughty. Only Palacios decided to keep me one more time. That’s how I survived. If it was not for him, maybe you wouldn't be interviewing me today. From there, I changed. At U14, I realised that if I didn’t fix my attitude, I would lose everything. That's where I started working harder and respecting the game properly.

MQ: Who were some of the players in the Pirates development with you that went on to play professionally?