Nomvethe: No need for the limelight

Cape Town - As he approaches his 40th birthday, AmaZulu striker Siyabonga Nomvethe says living a quiet family life has helped him stay on top of his game.

Nomvethe, who turns 40 in December, makes a return to South Africa's top flight after two seasons in the National First Division with AmaZulu, who gained promotion after buying out Thanda Royal Zulu.

His last stint in the PSL saw him a regular scorer for Moroka Swallows, while he also represented the likes of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and African Wanderers, not to mention a successful stay in Italy, and later Sweden.

Nomvethe was also a regular in the national team for over a decade. Heading into his 20th year as a professional footballer, the KwaMashu, Durban-born marksman has attributed a quiet home life to his longevity, and says he feels as fresh as ever.

"I do not have friends and that helps me to focus on my family. I know that many football players live lavish lifestyles but I am not like that. I am living a normal life. I do not regard myself as a celebrity," he told the SowetanLIVE website.

"I do not like to appear in newspapers, even if it is for good reasons. I see no need for publicity because I'm no longer a youngster. I just enjoy playing football and spending time with my family.

"I cannot just retire because I see people doing it. You can see I am still the same player I was when I was 23-years-old," said the player who netted 17 league goals in 27 matches last season.

Nomvethe still has a while to go before he can match his former Bafana team-mate, the late Shoes Moshoeu, who holds the record for the oldest goal scorer in the PSL when he netted for AmaZulu against Kaizer Chiefs in 2007 at the age of 41 years, 11 months.