Ayanda Dlamini recalls first PSL appearance and Baroka FC breakthrough

Unattached goalkeeper Ayanda Dlamini has recalled the early moments of his career, including the difficult conditions he faced during his first Premier Soccer League appearance and the performance that earned him a new contract at Baroka FC.

Dlamini’s first professional agreement came after he joined Baroka FC from Alex United. The initial deal lasted six months, but he said he was delighted to have finally made the breakthrough.

Baroka FC were competing in the PSL at the time, and Dlamini’s first appearance in the division came in a Nedbank Cup tie against Platinum Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Baroka FC lost 1-0, with Dlamini conceding his first goal as a professional. The match also provided an unexpected challenge for the goalkeeper.

“I remember the match started at 7 p.m., but when we returned for the second half at 8 p.m., everything had changed,” he said. “It was much darker, and the lights were much brighter.”

Despite the circumstances, Dlamini believed he had performed well. His display was enough to convince Baroka FC to offer him a further three years.

“That’s the only game I played that season,” he said.

Before reaching the professional ranks, Dlamini’s earliest memory of a football was also marked by injury. As a 10-year-old playing as a defender, he attempted to kick an opponent, fell awkwardly and broke his arm.

His first pair of boots were equally memorable, although he could not recall the brand. He described them as six-stud Chinese boots that resembled rugby footwear.

“As a defender, each time I approached an opposition striker attempting to mark him, he would run away because of my scary-looking six-stud boots,” Dlamini said.

He also did not remember who had given him the boots.

Dlamini’s first major injury came later in his career, when he suffered a calf problem that kept him out for six weeks.

His first major trophy was the Telkom Knockout, which he won with Baroka FC. Looking back at that period, Dlamini credited the club’s chairman with making effective recruitment decisions.

“In those days, the Baroka chairman was still fortunate when it came to signing the right players,” he said.