David Nyathi

David Sibusiso Nyathi (born 22 March 1969) is a retired South African soccer player, who is currently the assistant coach at Ajax Cape Town, and previously coached their under-19 team. Quotes Well, I think at the moment Matlaba has been crucial for Pirates. He's their key player, so to not consider him for the derby is very remote Depending on his fitness, his mental state or whatever could be affecting him at the moment, the coach will have to make a call. But if the boy (Phungwayo) continues to play well, obviously it gives the coach a lot of options in terms of who should fill that position. David Nyathi Talks Thabo Matlaba and Patrick Phungwayo, September 2014, Soccer Laduma by the Reporter Every time I was in possession of the ball, I would immediately find myself in front of a defender. I would overtake an opponent with ease, even though I was coming way from the back. They started asking themselves questions like, who is this boy? Right their other Pirates supporters decided, he is Going Up [Laughs]. That was because of all the overlapping I used to do. I was a skilful defender because that's what our South African football is all about. We were showing off skill, we were entertainers, so even a defender had skill. Wherever we are we always practised skill. If you look back at my career where I come from in rural areas in Mpumalanga, and go all the way to the city of lights in Joburg to play football at the highest level with one of the biggest teams in the continent. And playing in the national team and moving abroad, Going Up then becomes relevant. So, I was one of the best players in the world that were selected to represent FIFA. Even today the Pirates supporters wherever they see me are still calling me Going Up [Laughs]. I'm blessed, I'm grateful for the opportunity. I wouldn't want it any other way. What I had was a blessing. My mom gave me the name Sibusiso, and for sure I'm truly blessed Story Behind My Nickname - David "Going Up" Nyathi, May 2024, KICKOFF by Sipho Mlotha I am proud to be part of that group, That was a generation of strong characters – footballing individuals, wonderful people, true leaders, and champions in their own right. We came from the worst background – just imagine coming from Apartheid! – onto the steps of international competition,” And we had to learn fast As a football person, when I look back to those who made football, there were far greater players than I am, The design of Apartheid, which rendered many black players disadvantaged, made it difficult for many deserving players to have the opportunities he was afforded Many of these players] probably would have made us even prouder than we have made the country. So, we are honoured in many ways The biggest limitation for our country’s prospects is passion If you put everything into it, nothing is impossible, You can come from the worst of areas. You can come from the most disadvantaged family. You can come from the worst background. But if you put everything into it, nothing is impossible. I think we all don’t know what awaits us, But we all have a drive to meet the unknown As a South African, I am part of what South Africa strives to be, whether I’m a footballer or a normal citizen […] It comes from within. There are people who see things we don’t see. I feel like I am in a new step of my life that is really good for me. David Nyathi still “Going Up”, May 2022,SMF News by Nakishka Skriker For me, this coaching course is important to gain knowledge and empower ourselves. I look forward to learning and empowering myself. Football is gaining ground and so is women’s football but we need to upgrade our badges and be able to compete with... African coaches must upgrade badges to compete internationally – Nyathi, August 2023,Diggers, by Godfrey Dube I started with the U12’s [in 2008] which was a bit of a challenge, but an interesting bunch to work with, we had a very nice team and I enjoyed the group. They were obviously very cooperative and talent wise they were very advanced so it was easy to work with them. I was then promoted up to the U15’s. Initially they were identified as a group that needs a lot of focus and hard work. I duly got to work and we managed to compete and win the Nike Tournament in Johannesburg with victory of SuperSport United During my first spell here we also won the Bayhill U19 Metropolitan Tournament in 2013 under may watch so yes, it was successful and I hope to achieve more success. A lot of things has happened [since 2014], I am actually the CEO of the South African Masters and Legends – nationally. I am also the chairperson, So yes, I also have something going outside the field of play that keeps me bus It is also very exciting outside of football, but I am very happy to be part of the beautiful academy, share my knowledge with the kids and work in this wonderful environment. I have been with Hans in the national team so we know each other very well from a teammate perspective. We were together at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France so I have good knowledge of him as a person, he is an exceptional goalkeeper and leader as well. I now have to understand the concept he introduces, the philosophy he wants and the kind of approach he will instill in us to direct the players to the kind of level that we expect from this great academy. When you reach levels that are sometimes very difficult to reach it becomes your standard of life, and as a result you want to be successful in everything you do. I have the same mentality and I want to achieve things, The balance between development and success with the youth has to be reached. You have to look in terms of longevity, do you want to achieve instant success or longevity in terms of raising quality players that will enjoy a sustainable career for a long time in their future We have to balance that kind of achievement. Winning trophies is good, but developing real quality players that will overcome and combat all the stages of a professional football is very key. I want players that will play in the PSL Team, players that will play for the National Team and attract international interest. We look at that and also winning trophies obviously instills the confidence and belief that you will succeed and once you win you don’t want to stop. We need to find a balance, but yes I want to win, all the coaches want to win, so we will join hands and make sure we create that kind of environment David Nyathi back to achieve more success at Ikamva,Nov 2017, Capetown Spurs FC , by Reporter External links Category:Football (soccer) coaches Category:Living people Category:1969 births Category:Soccer players from South Africa