Andile Mbenyane
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 15 March 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Paarl, South Africa | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Chippa United | ||
| Number | 7 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2007–2009 | Ajax Cape Town[1] | ||
| → Ikapa Sporting (loan) | |||
| 2009–2021 | Chippa United | ||
| 2022– | Chippa United | 24 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 8 April 2024 | |||
Andile Mbenyane (born 15 March 1988) is a South African soccer player who plays as a forward for Chippa United in the South African Premier Division.
Career[edit]
Born in Paarl, he joined the academy of Ajax Cape Town and got his senior debut for that club in the 2007–08 Premier Soccer League. He did not break through in the first team, and was first sent on loan to Ikapa Sporting, then permanently to Chippa United. With Chippa United, he won promotion and helped establish the club in the Premier Division, and eventually became team captain.[2] In 2019 he played his 100th Premier Division game for Chippa United.[3]
According to Mbenyane, the Chippa United squad was given "a scare" in the winter of 2019 when the club released 13 players, resulting in the remaining players no longer "dragging their feet at training".[4] In March 2020, it was reported that Mbenyane himself would be released by Chippa United after 11 years in the club. As the manager Rulani Mokwena allegedly had "identified deadwood" in the squad, there were talks about disciplinary problems and missing practices. Club owner Siviwe "Chippa" Mpengesi accused Mbenyane of growing too content in the club, and asked the player to "come to the party and pick up his socks".[5][6] The player was not released, however, and started yet another season with Chippa United in 2020–21.[7]
Mbenyane was injured during the spring of 2021, and could not take part in the 2020-21 Nedbank Cup final.[8][9] Mbenyane was subsequently released during the summer of 2021. According to Chippa Mpengesi, this was "painful", but happened at the behest of new manager Gavin Hunt.[10] In the fall of 2021 Mbenyane reportedly trained with Second Division club BCM Stars.[11] He was back in Chippa United's matchday squad in February 2022. His first goal during this spell in the club came in the 2023-24 Nedbank Cup against Ravens.[3][12]
Personal life[edit]
Mbenyane was married to Ahluma Nombulelo, who died in a car accident in 2015. He later married Pakama Aba.[13][14]
References[edit]
- ^ Andile Mbenyane at WorldFootball.net
- ^ "Chippa scores big from this forward's loyalty". The Citizen. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ a b Andile Mbenyane at Soccerway. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Nkanjeni, Vuyokazi (14 February 2019). "'Clear-out did the trick for Chippa'". Herald Live. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ Mphahlele, Mahlatse (19 March 2020). "Chippa United boss Mpengesi slams veteran midfielder for showing up drunk". The Sowetan. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ Nkanjeni, Vuyokazi (20 March 2020). "Emotional Andile Mbenyane shocked as Chippa Mpengesi sack him". The Sowetan. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ Fakude, Ernest (19 August 2020). "Chippa United explain Andile Mbenyane return". Kick Off. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ Nkanjeni, Vuyokazi (30 March 2021). "Mbenyane frustrated by injury while Chippa fight relegation". Herald Live. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ Nkanjeni, Vuyokazi (7 May 2021). "Veteran Chippa striker devastated to miss Nedbank Cup final". Dispatch Live. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ Gumbi, Sibongiseni (24 August 2021). "'Changed man' Mpengesi gives Hunt full rein on signings". The Citizen. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ "Duo Spotted At New Club After Being Deemed Surplus To Requirements Under Gavin Hunt". Soccer Laduma. 12 November 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ "Mbenyane steps off the bench to rescue Chilli Boys". SuperSport. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Kamnqa, Siyabonga (2 July 2018). "Andile Mbenyane ready to give marriage another try". The Sowetan. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Chester, Omie (27 July 2022). "Soccer star Andile Mbenyane's sweet Birthday message to his Wife melts Mzansi hearts". News 365. Retrieved 8 April 2024.