Siyabonga Sangweni
Siyabonga Sangweni is a retired South African footballer known for his role as a centre-back.
He played for Orlando Pirates F.C. from 2011 to 2016, becoming a key player during his tenure.
Before joining Orlando Pirates, Sangweni played for Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. from 2005 to 2011, where he won the MTN 8 in 2009.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Siyabonga Sangweni, a retired South African footballer, is known for his defensive prowess on the field. He began his professional career in 2001 with Nathi Lions F.C., where he played until 2005 before moving to Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. His time at Golden Arrows was marked by significant contributions, including helping the team secure their first major trophy, the MTN 8, in 2009.
Career Highlights
In 2011, Sangweni made a pivotal move to Orlando Pirates F.C., where he quickly established himself as a key player. His debut season was impressive, featuring 28 league appearances and playing a crucial role in the team's treble-winning campaign. His defensive skills earned him a nomination for Footballer of the Season, showcasing his impact in the league. Sangweni also represented the South African national team, earning 29 caps and scoring four goals during his international career.
Challenges and Retirement
Despite his success, Sangweni's career was marred by injuries, which ultimately led to his early retirement. On April 7, 2016, Orlando Pirates' chairman announced that Sangweni would be stepping away from football due to ongoing injury issues. He left behind a legacy as a club legend, remembered for his contributions to both his club and the national team, including multiple honors such as the MTN 8 and the Premier Soccer League title.
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Career & Clubs
Golden Arrows
Nsimbi as he is efficiently known as in the football circles sign for Abafana Bes'thende in 2005 from SAFA Second Division side Uthukela. He played well for Arrows and contributed to the club's first major silverware which was the MTN 8 in 2009. He attracted many clubs and eventually signed for Orlando Pirates in 2011.
Orlando Pirates
Sangweni signed with Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the 2011/12 season. Hailed as one of the best signings of the season due to his defensive abilities. He was a regular starter for Bafana Bafana while playing for Golden Arrows. Siyabonga became a regular at Orlando Pirates and went on to have 28 league appearances in his first season at Pirates. Due to him being very instrumental in the Pirates treble winning of the season, he was nominated as a Footballer of the Season which eventually went to the League's leading goalscorer, Siyabonga Nomvethe of Swallows. He has enjoyed much game-time along Lucky Lekgwathi and Rooi Mahamutsa. He got an injury that kept him to almost all the 2013/14 season.
Retirement
In a press conference on 7 April 2016, Pirates' chairman Irvin Khoza announced that Sangweni has been plagued by a string of injuries. Khoza said that after consultation, the medics have confirmed that the former Bafana Bafana centre back has to end his career early. Khoza said Sangweni, who has 29 Bafana caps with four goals, will be remembered as a club legend.
- Club
- Orlando Pirates F.C. (2011–2016)
- Club
- South Africa men's national association football team (2007–)
- Club
- Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. (2005–2011)
- Club
- Nathi Lions F.C. (2001–2005)
Legacy
Lamontville Golden Arrows MTN 8: 2009 Orlando Pirates MTN 8: 2011 Telkom Knockout: 2011 Nedbank Cup: 2013–14 Premier Soccer League: 2011–12 CAF Champions League: Runners-up 2013 CAF Confederation Cup: Runners-up 2015
Clubs
- South Africa men's national association football team2007current
- Nathi Lions F.C.2001–2005
- Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C.2005–2011
- Orlando Pirates F.C.2011–2016
Played together with
- Andile FikizoloLamontville Golden Arrows F.C. · 2015
- Andile JaliOrlando Pirates F.C. · 2009–2014
- Arthur ZwaneOrlando Pirates F.C. · 1996–1997
- Athiel MbahaOrlando Pirates F.C. · 2007–2008
- Athiel MbahaOrlando Pirates F.C. · 2009–2010
Aubrey ModibaOrlando Pirates F.C.- Ayanda GcabaOrlando Pirates F.C. · 2012
- Bafo BiyelaLamontville Golden Arrows F.C. · 2009–2010
- Benedict VilakaziOrlando Pirates F.C. · 1999–2007
- Bennett CheneneOrlando Pirates F.C. · 2007–2010
Benni McCarthyOrlando Pirates F.C. · 2011–2013- Benson MhlongoOrlando Pirates F.C. · 2008–2012
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Doctor Siyabonga Sangweni, known as Siyabonga Sangweni, is a retired South African soccer defender who used to play for Premier Soccer League club Orlando Pirates and South Africa.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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