Wuyisile Wana recalls toilet dash and nerves on Santos debut in PSL

Former Santos and Bloemfontein Celtic forward Vuyisile Wana says crippling nerves left him with stomach cramps and an emergency toilet visit before his first ever Premier Soccer League appearance.

Wana, who also turned out for Magesi FC and spent part of his career in the lower divisions, has reflected on key “firsts” from his football journey – from school days in Welkom to finally lifting the Motsepe Foundation Championship title.

Early school memories and late first kiss

Wana’s story begins at Lehakwe Primary School in Welkom, where his first day did not go exactly to plan.

He remembers leaving the school grounds at break time and walking straight home instead of eating his packed lunch with the other pupils. “When I got home they asked me why I was there, I said ‘Because it’s a Break’ [laughs]. They sent me back,” he recalls.

Away from the classroom, Wana says he was in no rush when it came to teenage romance. “I’m sure I was 17 years old. I had even finished school [laughs],” he says of his first kiss.

Late start with boots and first township club

Unlike many professionals, Wana only owned his first pair of football boots at 16.

“Olympic. They were given to me by my uncle. I was 16 years old when I first owned a pair of soccerboots. They were special to me. I felt like a true soccer player after testing them. There was a huge difference,” he explains.

At the same age he joined his first organised side, Young Pirates, a local team from his kasi. “I was 16 years old when I joined. I played a striker, I used to run a lot and scored every weekend,” Wana says.

Breakthrough with Santos and a painful debut

Wana’s professional breakthrough arrived in 2009 when Santos picked him up from Roses United.

“It was Santos in 2009. They signed me from Roses United during the ABC Motsepe League play-offs in Mpumalanga. I was signed by the chairman’s son Khallied Allie,” he says.

His first taste of top-flight action, however, was overshadowed by nerves.

“We played against Moroka Swallows and we lost 2-1 at Athlone Stadium. I was so nervous I suffered stomach cramps I had to go to the toilet. I started the game,” Wana remembers.

First red card after referee’s warning

Before establishing himself in the PSL, Wana had already encountered disciplinary drama in the Vodacom League with Mangaung United.

“It was during my days at Mangaung United in the Vodacom League. The referee was targeting me, he told me before the game, ‘I’m going to give you a red card’,” he says, recalling his first sending-off.

Opening PSL goal and standout display

Wana’s first PSL goal also came at Athlone Stadium, this time against SuperSport United.

“I scored my first PSL goal against SuperSport United at Athlone Stadium. I received a pass from Tyrene Arendse, left a man for death, all of a sudden I was one on one with the keeper. The rest is history. We won that game 2-1 or 3-1,” he says.

That period at Santos also brought his first individual accolade.

“Still at Santos. I was man of the match against Golden Arrows. That was my first-ever man of the match award. It was during my first season. I scored a goal from the centre and made two assists,” Wana explains.

Cup frustration but promotion joy

Despite those individual highlights, Wana never lifted a knockout trophy in the PSL.

“I never won any cup competition in the PSL. The only thing I have won was the Motsepe Foundation Championship title with Magesi FC when we won promotion to the PSL,” he says.

Avoiding own goals and life off the pitch

Wana is adamant that one unwanted milestone never appeared on his CV.

“[Laughs] I never scored one in my career. I used to make sure I stay far from our box (laughs),” he says of own goals.

Off the pitch, his first car reflected a family fondness for a particular German brand. “BMW 325i. My uncle used to drive a lot of BMWs,” he says.

His biggest signing-on fee came during his time at Bloemfontein Celtic. “It was R500 000 at Bloemfontein Celtic,” Wana reveals.

From a nervous sprint to the toilet before his Santos debut to playing a part in Magesi FC’s rise, Wana’s recollections trace a career built on late starts, decisive breaks and a series of memorable firsts.