In Part 5 of Sprint MG’s “Getting to Know Lockdown Series”, we catch up with South African forward, Yusuf Bunting on football, life in SA, aspirations for the future and how he keeping fit during the lockdown.
What is your number one career highlight?
I played in the Gothia Cup in Sweden against Ajax, Sporting Lisbon and other big clubs from Europe. I was top goal scorer of the tournament. I was 14 or 15 at the time and the coach at Sporting Lisbon wanted me to join them but I couldn’t as I was too young at the time. Another highlight of mine was playing In the SAB regional tournament, again I finished as top goal scorer which included 3 hattricks, player of the tournament and a few other accolades. A week later I signed my first professional contract with Kaizer Chiefs. In my first pre-season tournament with the Kaizer Chiefs first team I scored on my debut. It only took me 10 minutes!
What’s been the most challenging moment of your career?
The most challenging moment of my career was when I broke my leg when I was 18, there were a lot of people that had come to watch me in that tournament. The injury certainly affected my career at that stage but it didn’t stop me from coming back stronger and scoring goals.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in football so far?
Honestly, If I had to choose it would be my mum and dad. They came every week and watched every match that I played in. We had to travel about an hour and a half every weekend for me to play my football.
Which team mate have you connected with best on the pitch and why?
Being a striker, the player behind me in the number 10 position is the most important player to connect with being striker. Out of all the players I have played with in my career, Burhaan Jooma is probably the player I have connected with best. He literally knew where I would be running and would make the pass. He was a left footer and was a good friend of mine as well.
What advice would give to yourself at 16?
Work hard, do your best and make sure all the hours you put in behind closed doors count.
What are your career aspirations?
To be honest I have achieved my goal, which was to become a professional footballer but moving forward I want to play in the best leagues, for the best teams in the world.
What is the hardest part of being a professional athlete?
I definitely think its the distractions that you get outside of football but I am fortunate enough to have a very close knit family.
How are you dealing with the lockdown and how are you keeping fit?
It’s unfortunate that we are not able to go outside to keep fit but we are fortunate enough to have a home gym. I work out with Yaseen every day. We wake up and eat breakfast then do an hours session in the gym, rest, then sit down for some lunch. After lunch we head back into the gym, rest again before supper, then in the evening we will do our core session. Recover is so important.
What advice would you give to an upcoming player?
To be honest with you, the best advice I can give is do not get ahead of yourself and keep your feet on the ground. /you have to work hard, train hard, and train to better yourself everyday, which is what I aim to do every time I train. Determination, dedication and motivation to succeed are key.
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?
There isn’t a specific pre match meal but I eat my banana at half time. I pray to God almighty before a game to ensure I am focussed and ready.
