Zebediela, where champions are born

Small Limpopo village nurtures talent over and over

- By Nakampe Lekwadu

Zebediela in Limpopo's Capricorn District has over the years become Mamelodi Sundowns' happy hunting ground for players.

Beyond the orange groves and rolling hills, right in the heart of Limpopo, the lush, fertile land, known for its citrus orchards and close-knit communities, Zebediela Dinamuneng or ZB as it is usually referred to, has quietly nurtured a talent that has graced the biggest stages of South African football.

Among the proud sons of this land are players who have worn the illustrious yellow jersey of the Brazilians, carrying their village's spirit high with every step is Alex Mokokwana Bapela.

Bapela played 129 matches in his six-year tenure at Sundowns between 1997-2006, scoring 31 goals for the club and earned six caps in the Bafana Bafana jersey.