How Kaizer Chiefs youth product Darrel Matsheke nearly quit football

The 24-year-old, who was signed by coach Steve Barker in October on a free transfer, on Saturday scored the winning penalty to help the Cape Winelands side clinch the inaugural Carling Knockout title at TS Galaxy’s expense. 

READ: Tactics fell out the window - Steve Barker

Matsheke shared how he very nearly walked away from the game but for his mother’s efforts.

"It was really hard, at some point I wanted to call it quits, but I'd like to thank my Mom actually because she really encouraged me not to give up pushing, [saying] that one team or call would definitely come, and it did – at the right time, actually," revealed Matsheke.

Matsheke was promoted to the Chiefs senior team during Gavin Hunt’s tenure at Naturena, making 12 appearances in his debut season – including the CAF Champions League in which Amakhosi reached the final. 

He was on the verge of joining lower division outfit Casric Stars before Stellies came knocking a few hours before he put pen to paper with the Motsepe Foundation Championship side.

"I was supposed to sign with Casric, but then I got a call from Stellenbosch... That call really changed my life, I could say. I was like an hour away from signing with Casric Stars," he added.

"I had to take the risk because, first of all, the money. Obviously, at Casric I would have go to earn less than what I earn here, so that triggered me to work hard.

"[And because of] the change of environment, I had to leave my family, my daughter, and come work here, so I couldn't let them down."

RECAP: Stellenbosch FC claim Carling Knockout Cup after penalty drama