Images: Fuad Esack; Supplied
Abulele Dlekedla-Mawela was switching classes after the second period at Manyano High School in Khayelitsha when he received a call from his Cape Town City FC manager asking him to check his text messages. The message on WhatsApp was one he will never forget — a notification of his first call-up to represent South Africa’s Under-17 team in two friendlies against Lesotho this weekend.
“Yhoo! I was so happy and excited by the news,” Dlekedla-Mawela, who plays as centre back and a defensive midfielder, exclaimed. “The first thing that came to mind was Coach Mark Mayambela’s words: hard work pays off.”
Despite his excitement, Dlekedla-Mawela remained composed and attended his next class — a level-headedness that reflects why he chose Arsenal and French defender William Saliba as his role model. It’s also a key lesson he has embraced since joining City’s academy ranks last year from Y2K College FC in Lingelethu LFA (He also played for Magents and Young Brazil in Mandela Park LFA).
“One of the differences at City compared to other clubs I played for in the townships is that we start play from the back, even under pressure from opponents. This teaches you, whether you’re a footballer or not, how to remain calm under pressure. When you face challenges or problems in life, being used to staying composed helps you manage them effectively.”
Known affectionately as “Abu” by some, Dlekedla-Mawela said his first national team selection means a lot to him and his career.
“It shows that I’ve improved. Being in the national team is not easy; it’s not a small thing. Players worldwide in my position are watched and compared, so it means I’ve worked hard. But the work isn’t over because I haven’t achieved everything yet.
“The selection shows I’m not just an average player but one of the recognized ones. It proves that there’s something special in what I’m doing, and that’s all due to dedication and sacrifice. There are moments when you don’t get what you want in life, and you have to choose what to do and what not to do. If you really want your dream to come true, you have to sacrifice.”
Playing for a professional club’s development division like City and representing the country is a dream for many youngsters. As such, many see Dlekedla-Mawela as a role model — passionate, hardworking, and humble. However, this hasn’t changed who he is. “None of this gets to my head. I don’t look down on other kids because of my achievements. We’re all different in life, and we each have our own destinies.”
His father, Mr. Mawela, was over the moon about his son’s recognition. “As parents, we are very proud that a child from Engcobo, KwaNzolo ku Bhlangwe in the villages, will represent the nation. We will watch him on television. I want to thank Cape Town City FC, especially John Comitis, Grant Veitch, Mark Mayambela, and others for giving my son an opportunity.”
Mr. Mawela, a sportsman himself, has always supported his sons, who are all talented football players. “In everything they do, I’m involved. When Abulele was scouted — I always went with him to Cape Town City. I remember the first day we got lost and ended up at the club’s high-performance facility. He was very nervous. But after meeting and taking pictures with players like Mayo, Manyama, Lakay, Nodada, and Mokeke, his nerves calmed.
“When I first met Coach Mayambela, he told me straight up that there are no favors in his team — each player must prove themselves on the field. I also want to thank Siya Stali from Y2K. I hope he continues to be involved in Abulele’s development.”
The first game of Amajimbos, as the national U17 team is known, is at 15H00 this afternoon at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus and it will be broadcast live on SAFA Facebook page.
