Chilling Off The Field, Thrilling On It September 9, 2009 ’Last Number’ or ‘Las’ as he is called by all at the club is not a player of too many words. We chat to the man who was voted Man of The Match in the Kaizer Chiefs home defeat last month. He keeps his head down and chews on his gum and usually when speaking, he has a few of mischievous words to exchange with some of his team-mates.

Sthembiso Dlamini takes us into his life.

“I was born in Umlazi Kwa-F, that’s where I grew up but we moved to Claremont in late 1999 or early 2000. My home currently is at Kwa-Dabeka, Claremont where I stay with my three siblings and mother,” said the 24 year old bread-winner.

“But staying at the clubhouse means my mother calls me up a lot of times. They are all always concerned when I don’t come to visit. She has the belief that when I’m not in front of her eyes I’m up to no good, but that’s not the case - it’s just the price I pay for being the oldest in the family.”

‘Last Number’ has done well for himself in the team since coming in from Durban Third division side Young Mates.

“Before I moved to Claremont I didn’t think I’d play serious football. I only started to think about professional soccer when we moved to Claremont. Guys like Nqobizitha Mkhize and Thanduyise Khuboni who play for Golden Arrows, like me, hail from Kwa-Dabeka.”

The left-footed dribbling midfielder says he owes his good run last season to the confidence bestowed in him by the coaches, who during the 2008/ 2009 campaign, put their trust in the youngsters and gave them ample game time.



“I enjoyed last season because the coaches that we’ve had at AmaZulu all believe in letting us use what we are good at and one of my best strengths is dribbling. I do feel however that my small body frame puts me under pressure but I try to make up on that at the gym by lifting some weights.”

‘Last Number’s’ roommate at the clubhouse is another Dlamini, Phelelani Ayanda Dlamini. The two have a collection of movies in their room and indeed have a lot more than just surnames in common, both like to listen to music on their cellphones.

“I just relax by listening to music and by watching movies when I’m at training. I also read newspapers a lot. Last season my roommate was defender Simanga Biyela,” said Sthembiso.

Article by AmaZulu website journalist Nhanhla Brilliant Mkhathini