Aphelele Wandile Sibisi’s football journey began on the streets of Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal, where he spent hours kicking a ball around with friends. Today, the 22-year-old defender leads the North-West University (NWU) Eagles into a decisive moment in the Varsity Football tournament.
With one round-robin match left on Thursday, 18 September, the Eagles are just a single point away from securing a semifinal spot.
The third-year BA communication student is not only the captain, but also the heartbeat of his team. He underlined his value in the Eagles’ previous outing, where he was named Player of the Match for a commanding display. “I am a disciplined, hard-working player,” Sibisi says. “My biggest role is to bring a positive attitude and energy, especially in difficult moments of a game.”
Sibisi traces his inspiration back to 2017, when he watched Abongile Lemese, a fellow Mandeni native, play in the Varsity Football competition against the NWU. “Seeing someone from my own community perform on that stage showed me that I could also belong there,” he recalls. That moment pushed him to pursue football with focus and determination.
Relocating from KwaZulu-Natal to Mahikeng in 2023 to join the NWU came with challenges, particularly leaving his family behind. “I miss them,” Sibisi admits, “but every moment here has been a highlight. My passion for the game and this team keeps me going.”
As a leader, Sibisi is known not only for his defensive skills but also for lifting the team’s morale. His teammates often rely on his drive to keep them motivated during tough phases of a match.
Off the field, he looks up to professionals like Ndabenhle Mthembu, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lemese, admiring their discipline and consistency. He dreams of one day signing a professional contract, but his immediate focus is on helping the Eagles secure a place in the semifinals and beyond.
“I have a personal need to show how far I can go,” Sibisi says. “That starts with giving everything for this team.”
As the Eagles prepare for Thursday’s must-win clash, they know their captain will lead with both heart and resilience.
NWU Football captain Aphelele Sibisi
