He is a skilled midfielder for Sekhukhune United. Father and footballer Linda Onassis Mntambo's career blossomed in 2013 after joining Orlando Pirates for four seasons.

GIVING BACK

Linda (33) recently joined forces with the Sasko Siyazama Community Initiative which aims to build, restore and upgrade 1000 playgrounds throughout Mzansi in 2023. The first initiative started at Ikaneng Primary School in Soweto where he was also born and raised. "I am passionate about anything that has to do with children. I love kids. I also love giving back. I am a product of 'It takes a village to raise a kid.' I was raised by a single mother who was assisted by the community of Soweto,' he says. "I think it's my responsibility to do the same and give back. My mom could not have done it on her own. I had father figures from where I come from who helped her reprimand me when I was going down the wrong path. They would provide me with advice, buy me soccer boots, use their petrol to take me to soccer and for trials,' he says. "The community saw my talent and they nurtured me into being who I am today, and I show my gratitude by giving back.'

A TOUGH CHILDHOOD

Growing up, Linda was a naughty child, who got involved with crime and drug abuse. "I was beyond naughty. Bengiphume endleleni nje,' he says. "I have been arrested countless times. I did crazy crimes. I was out of order for shoplifting, GBH, and abuse of alcohol and drugs. I did so many things that I am not proud of. But they are a part of my life. Maybe the friends I had at the time were a bad influence and not having a father was the contributing factor but I take full responsibility for my actions.' Linda says the birth of his daughter in 2010 was his saving grace."Having my daughter woke me up to the fact that I now have someone to take care of and the responsibilities are oiling up.' Before becoming a football star, Linda worked for five years at a Packaging company. "I saw life in a different way. My kids were the blessing I never knew I needed. I was playing amateur and started playing professionally in 2013 after my daughter was born. Before that I was working at a packaging firm and earning R5000 a week which I would blow on alcohol, gambling, and drugs,' he says. "My child opened my mind to wanting me to chase my dreams because at the time R5000 was not enough to provide for her school fees, nappies, and clothes. So I stopped the job after five years and pursued football and gave my all.' Linda doesn't think he will fall back into his old ways. "It's too late now. I have too many responsibilities and I know my role in the community; I am a role model to many young boys and some girls. I can't afford to mess up.'

STARTING HIS FOUNDATION?

Linda started the Linda Mntambo Foundation, helping to empower, children from previously disadvantaged homes. "We started it in 2020. We have assisted countless young boys. We currently have Mfundo playing for Kaizer Chiefs reserve side. He was given an opportunity through our foundation,' he says. "There are a lot of boys that want to chase their dreams and I try to assist where I can. We don't only focus on football but we raise funds for old age homes, and we raise awareness of drug abuse and gender-based violence. All of the things that affected my life. We want to do this at a foundation phase and to boys 15 years and below. We bring in scouts to identify them. They showcase their talent and whoever from the foundation has potential, we nurture, give them and get them into the right spaces.'