Discover how their thundering rhythms instil a sense of belonging, turning the stands into one unified force, all in support of Mamelodi Sundowns.
A Closer Look at Bafana Ba Sgubhu Lebohang Nkosi, popularly known as ‘Zuma’ is one of the engine’s drummers behind the yellow nation. The 36-year-old who resides in Mamelodi, home to the DStv Premiership Champions, started supporting the club from a tender age when he was still part of the Mamelodi Football Association.
Being a part of the football association, one of the benefits was entering the stadium for free and if lucky, getting chosen to be a ball boy. Among the group that cheered for the team, he had had the opportunity to meet Mamelodi Sundowns Legend, Daniel ‘Mambush’ Mudau and other legends of the time. Through the years Zuma attended numerous Sundown’s football games and shared the stadium experience that turned his blood yellow, “A game I will forever cherish is when Sundowns played against Hellenic and I was exposed to the club’s Shoe Shine and Piano style of play which is when we inherited the Brazilian name. From the start, I was fully behind the club.”
Zuma testified that practicing communication and coordination between himself and the yellow nation is vital in creating a unified and lively atmosphere for the players on game days.
Pursuing his passion through his role as part of the collective to get the crowd going, the 30-year-old Sandwana shared the rewards of leading the supporters in song, “Nothing warms my heart like seeing supporters interacting with the players and the technical team through a song led by a drum. I understand how it makes the Yellow Nation feel and I always anticipate the next game to have the same experience with the team.”
Sibonelo touched on the significance of making the new players feel welcomed and refuelling the team for the new season using the yellow drum in the stand.