'Five minutes into my first session, I was signed'

In this edition of My First, former Moroka Swallows star Sisa Nombe takes KickOff on a journey through the defining firsts of his professional football career.

Your first memory of a soccer ball?

I remember being fascinated by the brand-new black-and-white KickOff soccer ball my father had just bought me. It had a very hard leather. My father was a co-founder and player for Mthatha Liverpool, and his dream was for his son to become a professional footballer. I was six, turning seven.

The first organised club you played for?

Manchester City, from Khwezi in Mthatha. I was nine years old.

Your first pair of soccer boots?

Adidas Argentina boots, bought for me by my father. I felt as if I had made it as a professional footballer. It was exciting to own a pair before most of my peers.

The first position you played?

I started out as a goalkeeper. I had an uncle who was a goalkeeper, and I loved him very much. He was my favourite, and I wanted to be like him. He had one eye, but people still struggled to score against him. In those days, there was a premier division here in the Transkei.

Your first contract?

It was with Moroka Swallows in 1997. I was signed from Mthatha Liverpool. My uncle took me to Swallows training without making arrangements with the club, and I stayed with him. Every day, I would go to the training ground and ask to join in. I was turned away many times before they eventually felt sorry for me and let me train. After two months of trying to get an opportunity, I finally got my chance. Thanks to the women who worked at Swallows for pushing the club to let me train. Five minutes into my first session, I was signed.

Your first senior appearance in the PSL?

We played to a 0-0 draw against Wits University FC at Milpark Stadium. It was a night game.

Your first goal in professional football?

It was against Dynamos at George Goch. We beat them 3-0, and I scored the opener with a header.

Your first major injury?

It happened in Venda, against Black Leopards. I pulled my hamstring.

Your first PSL trophy?

I never won a trophy in my career. I received only a silver medal after we lost the Telkom Charity Cup to Orlando Pirates. Benedict Vilakazi scored the only goal.

Your first red card?

[Laughs] It came after a late tackle. I stepped on Bloemfontein Celtic's Lehlohonolo Seema as he tried to clear the ball. I received a second yellow card and was sent off.

Your first national team call-up?

It was for a COSAFA Cup match against Swaziland.

The first thing you did on your first day after retiring?

I went to the gym. I couldn't believe I had retired.