Prof Ngubane: My daughter cried

South African football legend Mlungisi "Professor" Ngubane says that so far, Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie has outdone his predecessors in taking care of athletes in the country.

Ngubane was officially honoured by Minister Gayton McKenzie at the 19th SA Sports Awards last month.

Alongside Nelson "Teenage" Dladla, Patson Banda, he was bestowed with the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket in recognition of his contribution to sport during the Apartheid era. He also received R100,000.

"The green blazer arrived, but the R100,000 is still on its way here; they are still processing. There's a lot that needs to be verified," Ngubane tells KickOff with joy.

"I was shocked when I first heard the news because it's the first time a footballer from a province other than Gauteng is being honoured. McKenzie showed he will never forget Professor Ngubane.

"I remember getting a call from the minister's office inviting me and my wife to Sun City. They came to pick me up right at my doorstep. I was transported from home to the airport. I took my 25-year-old daughter with me because my wife was not available; she’s working in Parliament in Cape Town. Even today, my daughter can't stop talking about the VVIP treatment we received. At the hotel, we were given two separate, stunning rooms.

"We were given these awards because we were stars during the Apartheid era, but we were never recognized then. We played a very important part in domestic football. Even today, people still talk about Teenage Dladla, Patson "Kamuzu" Banda, and Mlungisi "Professor" Ngubane. We were recognized by Minister McKenzie while we are still alive. This is what made my daughter cry tears when they called my name on stage. She was excited because this was happening while 'Daddy' was still alive.

"Immediately, when the R100,000 reaches my bank account, I will give my wife R20,000 to go and spoil herself. Just to thank her, even when times are tough, she never leaves my side. She's been honest.

"And all my children will get something from the R100,000. Every member of my family must be happy. This one's for the family.

"Gayton McKenzie is the best, regardless of what others say. What he did is more than what other sport minister has done before. He has outdone all of them. He even honoured Willie Mtolo, a legendary marathon runner, a former multiple Comrades Marathon champion."