Sibusiso Zuma: bio, life, best and worst football moments
Zuma played for top South African teams such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Europe to join FC Copenhagen in Denmark. During his time in Europe, Zuma gained international recognition, even playing in the UEFA Champions League.
Zuma’s success on the field wasn’t without obstacles, however. He faced racism and discrimination both at home and abroad during his career. Despite these challenges, Zuma persevered and continued to excel on the pitch.
After retiring from professional football, Zuma has remained involved in the sport, coaching young players and working as a commentator for televised matches. His impact on South African football is still felt today.
Sibusiso Zuma began his professional career with African Wanderers, in the Indian Ocean city of Durban. His performances caught the attention of Orlando Pirates and he was snapped up by the Soweto-based club.
Having established himself as a key member of the South African national team, Zuma then made a first move to Europe in 2000, signing for Danish high-flyers FC Copenhagen. In five highly credible years in Copenhagen “Zuma the Puma”, as he became affectionately known, netted 54 goals in 188 games, won three Danish League titles (2001, 2003, 2004), one Danish Cup (2004), Super Cup (2001) and also had a first taste of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup football (2001-2004).
With his elegance on the ball, graceful movement and extravagant, outlandish appearance the attacking midfielder played his way into the hearts of the Copenhagen fans, who voted Zuma into their Hall of Fame in the winter of 2006.
The South African also gained a reputation for striking spectacular goals. Few will forget the sumptuous bicycle kick he scored against Brondby IF in 2001 which was voted goal of the decade in Denmark.
After his illustrious Danish spell, the 67-time South African international transferred to German 1.Bundesliga outfit, Arminia Bielefeld in 2005, to fill the role left by then Borussia Dortmund-bound compatriot Delron Buckley. At the beginning of that season, most football pundits were touting Bielefeld as potential relegation fodder, but Zuma’s arrival and subsequent performances ensured that Bielefeld remained in the top level of German football . In three successful German years, Sibusiso notched up 10 goals and 11 assists in 73 games, playing wide on the right and left, as well as down the middle.
On 21 June 2008 Sibusiso signed for Mamelodi Sundowns, but hampered by two injuries he ended his association with the South African club in August 2009. In October that same year, after successfully having a trial period with FC Nordsjælland, he signed a one season deal and returned to Denmark . After being named as the Danish League Player of the Decade, Zuma crowned a memorable end to his European career by helping Nordsjaelland win the Danish Cup for the first time in their history in May 2009.
Zuma has been a loyal and dependable Bafana servant throughout his career, playing a leading role in his country’s fortunes despite the emergence of highly-rated players like Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise and Bernard Parker. In 67 internationals for South Africa, Zuma scored 10 goals. He played in the FIFA World Cup™ 2002 in Japan and South Korea and captained his country at the 2006 CAF African Cup of Nations.
In the twilight of an illustrious career, Zuma signed a one year deal with newly promoted South African Premier Soccer League club, Vasco da Gama. He has the honour of scoring the first goal of the 2010/11 PSL season, netting a header at Cape Town’s World Cup 2010 stadium.
His great stats, 11 goals and 7 assists at Vasco, made giants SuperSport United offer one more year to this incombustible player.
Personal sponsor: Nike
| Name: | Sibusiso Zuma |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Language(s): | English, Afrikaans, Danish, German |
| Age: | 37 |
| Date of birth: | 23.06.1975 |
| Place of birth: | Durban (South Africa) |
| Marital status: | Married (2 children) |
| Height: | 180 cm |
| Weight: | 82 kg |
| Position: | Striker or right/left attacking midfielder. |
| Shirt number: | 10 |
| National team: | 67 A-caps/13 goals |
| Current club: | Supersport United |
| Former club(s): | African Wanderers, Orlando Pirates, FC Copenhagen, Arminia Bielefeld, Mamelodi Sundows, |
| FC Nordsjælland, CR Vasco da Gama | |
| Contract: | 30.06.2012 |
Statistics current season:
| Games played in: | |
| National Team: | |
| Assists: | |
| Goals: |
Career
| SEASON | CLUB | COUNTRY | GAMES | GOALS | ASSISTS |
| 1995-1998 | African Wanderers | South Africa | 71 | 29 | – |
| 1998-2000 | Orlando Pirates | South Africa | 70 | 37 | – |
| 2000-2005 | FC Copenhagen | Denmark | 188 | 54 | – |
| 2005-2008 | Arminia Bielefeld | Germany | 73 | 10 | 11 |
| 2008-2009 | Mamelodi Sundowns | South Africa | 12 | 1 | – |
| 2009-2010 | FC Nordsjælland | Denmark | 13 | 2 | 3 |
| 2010-2011 | CR Vasco Da Gama | South Africa | 28 | 11 | 7 |
| 2011- | Supersport United | South Africa | 32 | 4 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 487 | 148 | 24 |
Awards
| Danish League: | Champion 2001, 2003, 2004 |
| Danish Cup: | Champion 2004, 2010 |
| Danish Supercup: | Champion 2001, 2004 |
What impact did Sibusiso Zuma have on South African football teams during his playing career?
Sibusiso Zuma had a significant impact on South African football teams during his playing career. Zuma was an attacking player known for his pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. He played for several South African clubs, including Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, and Golden Arrows.
Zuma also represented South Africa at the international level and played a crucial role in helping the team win the 2004 COSAFA Cup and qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He was known for his versatility as he could play in several positions, including striker, winger, and attacking midfielder.
Moreover, Zuma’s contribution to the development of South African football was significant. He inspired many young players with his skills and tenacity on the pitch. Zuma’s success also motivated young black South Africans to pursue a career in football, which was not always accessible to them during apartheid.
How did Sibusiso Zuma’s skills and playing style contribute to the success of the Bafana Bafana national team?
Sibusiso Zuma’s skills and playing style were crucial to the success of the Bafana Bafana national team. Zuma was a pacey winger with excellent dribbling abilities and an eye for goal. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities for his teammates made him a valuable asset to the South African football team.
Zuma was a key player in the Bafana Bafana squad that won the 2004 COSAFA Cup and also played a vital role in their qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His performances during the 2006 African Cup of Nations, where he scored two goals and provided several assists, helped South Africa reach the quarterfinals of the tournament.
One of Zuma’s most memorable performances for the national team came in a friendly match against Tunisia in 2003. He scored a stunning hat-trick to help South Africa secure a 3-0 victory, showcasing his skill and creativity on the field.
What legacy has Sibusiso Zuma left on South African football, and how does he continue to influence the sport today?
Sibusiso Zuma was a talented South African football player who had a significant impact on the sport during his career. He played for several local teams, including Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as international teams, such as FC Copenhagen in Denmark and Arminia Bielefeld in Germany.
Zuma’s most significant legacy was arguably his role in helping the South African national team win the African Cup of Nations in 1996. He scored two goals in the tournament, including the winner in the final against Tunisia. This victory was a critical moment for South African football, and many people credit Zuma for his contributions to this success.
Today, Zuma continues to influence South African football in various ways. He has become an ambassador for the sport, working with young players to help them develop their skills and achieve their goals. He has also been active in promoting football in rural areas, where access to training and equipment can be limited.
In addition to his work off the field, Zuma remains a popular figure among football fans in South Africa. He is remembered for his skill and determination on the pitch, and his contributions to the national team continue to inspire young players today. Overall, Sibusiso Zuma’s legacy serves as a reminder of the impact that one player can have on a sport and a country.
