In Part 3 of Sprint MG’s Getting to Know Lockdown series, we catch up with South African, winger Yaseen Bunting about football, life and how he’s dealing with the lockdown.
What is your number one career highlight?
My highlight was when I travelled to play in the Arsenal International Tournament with Tigers Football Club. We got to the final of the cup but lost the final 4-1. I scored the only goal for us in the final, it was a great goal. We were the only south African team that got that far.
What’s been the most challenging moment of your career?
I was playing in the Futures U17 tournament with Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates. The Coach sat us all down and said that this game was the most important game of our careers, at such a young age there was so much pressure on us. The owners and the first team players were all there to.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in football so far?
My brother Yusuf. I look up to him and want to follow in his foot steps and make him proud. We have been at the same clubs throughout my career and want this to continue. He is my biggest inspiration.
What advice would give to yourself at 16?
I would have pushed harder at that young age. Working hard is so important in achieving your goals and making your family proud.
What are your career aspirations?
Wanting to continue my career abroad and playing in one of the top leagues in the world.
What is the hardest part of being a professional athlete?
Sacrificing normal life and committing to improve yourself everyday is tough. Not being able to spend as much time as you’d like with your friends and family is also hard but you have to do these things to succeed.
How are you dealing with the lockdown and how are you keeping fit?
Since the lockdown has started I have been working with my brother Yusuf to keep fit. We do an hours session in morning, eat lunch, then work out in the afternoon before our supper. We then do our core session in the evening. To pass the team we also get some time to play FIFA against each other, and against our friend online to see who is the best.
What advice would you give to an upcoming player?
Keep pushing and working hard regardless of the outcome. Keep your head up, look forward and don’t care about what anyone says . Your day will come.
How do you prepare yourself for a game? Do you have any superstitions? Is there a particular pre-match meal you like to eat before a big game?
Wake up and eat breakfast. My mum will normally cook me eggs and i’ll also have a Red Bull. I will then leave to meet up with the team for our pre match team talk. When I get onto the pitch I picture myself scoring 2 or 3 goals in that game. It helps to clear my mind and focus on the game ahead.
