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Bizana, a small town in the Eastern Cape, has quietly nurtured one of South Africa’s finest soccer talents—Siphosakhe Ntiyantiya. While Ntiyantiya’s journey to stardom is now celebrated by fans and commentators alike, his path to professional soccer was far from straightforward.
Raised in the Ntshamathe location of Bizana, Ntiyantiya’s early life was shaped by his grandmother, as his parents worked in Durban. Initially, he showed little interest in soccer, but this changed after his grandmother passed away, and he moved to Durban in 2003 to join his parents. It was there that his cousin, Zwelisha Mxolo, a talented footballer, sparked his passion for the sport. Mxolo’s ability to make friends through his football skills inspired Ntiyantiya, planting the seed of what would become a remarkable soccer career.
Ntiyantiya’s talent soon caught the attention of local clubs, and he joined Barsenal FC in Durban, a team whose name blends those of global giants Barcelona and Arsenal. The club often played friendlies against top teams, providing a platform for scouts to discover emerging talent. After one such friendly in 2012, Ntiyantiya was recruited by the Supersport Academy, where he honed his skills until 2016. That year, he made the leap to the Kaizer Chiefs Reserves and, by 2018, was promoted to the first team, quickly becoming a fan favorite at Naturena.
However, Ntiyantiya’s rise was not without setbacks. He experienced two significant disappointments in his career—first in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final, where Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 to TS Galaxy at Moses Mabhida Stadium, and again in the 2021 CAF Champions League final, where they were defeated 3-0 by Al Ahly in Morocco. These losses were tough to bear, but Ntiyantiya remained resilient.
In a recent interview, Ntiyantiya expressed pride in his roots, proudly stating that he hails from Bizana. This contrasts with other personalities who may downplay their origins, and Ntiyantiya’s connection to his hometown has endeared him even more to his fans.
After his contract with Kaizer Chiefs expired, Ntiyantiya signed a two-year deal with Sekhukhune United, playing for them from 2022 to 2023.
His first season with United was historic, as the team qualified for the CAF Champions League for the first time and secured a spot in the Top 8 on the log table. With his contract now ended, Ntiyantiya is actively seeking new opportunities and is eager to continue his soccer journey.
Fit and ready to compete, Siphosakhe Ntiyantiya’s story is proof to the power of perseverance and pride in one’s roots. As he looks ahead to the next chapter in his career, he continues to serve as a source of inspiration for young athletes in Bizana and beyond.
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