Cape Town - Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Alfred Ndengane has revealed the sacrifices he made growing up to get where he is today as an established performer for Siwelele.
Such has been the player's consistency for Celtic in his four seasons at the club, he was handed a new three-year deal at the start of the 2016/17 campaign.
Despite a poor start to the season which has seen coach Serame Letsoaka part ways with the club, Ndengane believes there is more than enough time to turn things around.
"Once we rediscover our scoring form, we will be the same as last season (and enjoy success). I wouldn't like our fans to panic because it's still early," he told Soccer Laduma.
With that said, the 29-year-old is ready for a battle as he overcame plenty of pain and adversity growing up.
"I went to trials at Seven Stars U11s. I went there without boots. I had to be chased to the side because I didn't have boots. I had to go back home crying," he continued.
"Later, I had an opportunity to go on trial at Golden Arrows in Durban. I had to go begging for money for the flight ticket. I didn't make it and came back to Cape Town."
"I decided to leave football and went to work at Game in 2007. Then I played well for an amateur side from my kasi against NFD side Hanover Park in the Coke Cup. The rest is history."