Spoko's story should inspire Pupu

On the same day when Banele 'Pupu' Sikhondze leaves Mbabane Swallows for Polokwane City, Sibusiso 'Spoko' Dlamini will be playing his testimonial match at Mavuso Sports Centre.

While one emerging star has the world at his feet, one has one last moment on the limelight. Spoko's star long faded. This testimonial match feels as though it is an effort to remind everyone of what might have been. Certainly, all those South African football stars coming on Saturday remind us of the heights Spoko once scaled.

A talent and career that promised so much instead ended with a whimper. As the sun set on his career, the former Kaizer Chiefs striker wasn't even good enough to start for Malanti Chiefs. But for Spoko, it shouldn't have ended like that. Bad decisions curtailed a career that could have been great. And therein lies Pupu's lesson.

As the mercurial playmaker leaves for the promised land of South Africa, he should do so with Spoko's story at the back of his mind. No doubt Sikhondze has the talent to make it in SA. He also has the experience and know how. A couple of years playing serious competitive football in the CAF Confederation Cup and Champions League gives you that.

He also sounds and looks like a mature player nowadays. Sikhondze was at Swallows training on Monday morning, sweating it out. In all fairness, he shouldn't have been there. His time with the Birds is done but he did and later explained that this was a move to get himself ready for the challenge that awaits him in SA. Indeed, Sikhondze had been training and keeping fit ever since the season ended.

But the real test lies in Polokwane, where the new friends will emerge. New agents, girls, drugs, suitors will emerge. Pupu's character and desire will be tested. It is at that point where many careers have gone left and Spoko can shed some light on that.

Pupu needs to be strong in Polokwane. If he gives it his all and keeps his focus, then surely this country will have a long awaited star in one of the best Leagues in Africa. Of course he has a history of going astray but that was then, when he was a very young and confused youngster. He has become a man and history maker at Swallows.

His goal against AC Leopards in the Confederation Cup on April 15, 2017 will live long in the memory. Now Pupu has to make sure that he creates more memorable moments for the nation.