MILAN Stars player and coach, Monwabisi Mawbray Bless, has appealed to players to take their education seriously, in order to realise their dreams.
Bless, who was born in Fort Beaufort, studied at Vukanibantu Primary School and Masiphathisane Senior Secondary School in Motherwell.
He later obtained a Diploma in Local Government Finance from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Butterworth.
Bless started his football career as a junior player at Fast Young Brothers and City Heroes in Motherwell.
Later, he joined Showvillage United as an u/14 player and he was promoted to play in Showvillage United’s senior team.
At WSU, he played for the senior team.
He was recruited by the PSL side, Bush Bucks, to play for their u/20 side.
He donned the jerseys of Eleven Attackers, Ace Cosmos and Wonderful Attackers, while he was WSU student.
He also played for the former ABC Motsepe League side, Morning Stars of Kwazakhele.
Today, Bless has been appointed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, where he plays and coaches its football team affiliated with the Port Elizabeth Football Association (PEFA).
Bless is really passionate about sport because he is Milan Stars’ player-coach. He is assisted by Chuma Dano and Mpumelelo Timse in Stars’ technical team.
He said, “I want to see Milan Stars campaigning in SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay SAB Regional League in the next 10 years and ABC Motsepe League. I would like produce star players who would play in the national topflight league in future.
“I fully understand that there is pressure in sport, especially in soccer. Be that as it may, coaches need to have big heart. Coaches need to create a conducive environment for themselves. Coaches need to think like players. I encourage my players to work as a unit.”
Talking to PE Express, Bless said sport was a short career, which should go together with education.
Many former players fall on hard times once they retire.
“Players must understand that education is a key success. A nation without education is like a bird without feathers. Education and sport must go together. Education opens up opportunities for everyone. I urge players to take education very seriously in order to fulfil their dreams,” concluded Bless.
