From hope to hurt: Ncube recounts xenophobic ordea...

From hope to hurt: Ncube recounts xenophobic ordeal at AmaZulu

Philemon Jambaya

Zimbabwean midfielder Butholezwe Ncube’s dream stint at South African club AmaZulu turned into a nightmare due to alleged xenophobic abuse from some Zulu-speaking teammates. Ncube, who featured occasionally for the Zimbabwe national team, recently opened up about his harrowing experience during his six-year spell at the club (2016-2022).

In an interview, Ncube revealed the shocking details of the prejudice he faced. “They would plot nasty things about me in Zulu, not realising I understood the language,” he said. Ncube, a native Ndebele speaker, found the Zulu dialect similar enough to comprehend the hateful conversations targeting him.

“The insults were constant,” Ncube continued, the pain evident in his voice. “They’d say things like ‘someone injure him in training.’” This relentless negativity left him feeling ostracized and questioning his decision to pursue a career in South Africa. “I felt useless and hurt,” he confessed, “wondering if staying home wouldn't have been better”.

Ncube further explained that some AmaZulu players resented his signing, believing it came at the expense of local talent. The hostility was so pervasive that he was forced to leave the dining table on numerous occasions, unable to stomach his meals amidst the barrage of insults. “It made it impossible to interact with some teammates,” he said.

Despite the adversity, Ncube credited coach Benni McCarthy for recognising his struggle. “Coach Benni saw everything,” Ncube said. “He encouraged me to focus on why I came to South Africa in the first place.” While McCarthy's support offered a lifeline, the constant negativity almost pushed Ncube to abandon his dream.

Having endured a challenging experience, Ncube has returned to his native Zimbabwe. He is currently playing for Sheasham FC in the Central Region Soccer League, hoping to rebuild his career in a more welcoming environment.