Thembinkosi Given Mangai, who was born on a farm at Salem, near Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), is one of the best Professional Football League (PSL) assistant referees.
Mangai, who started Grade 1 at Grapevalley Farm School, said that he and his classmates had to walk more than 30km to the school.
He said, “I grew up under the guidance of my grandparents who taught me how to respect people. I have been a member of the Methodist church since I was a child.”
After his parents relocated to Makhanda in 1992, he studied at Samuel Ntsiko Primary School.
Mangai who is affectionately known as Niger or Naija, started his football journey at Samuel Ntsiko Primary School as a goalkeeper and defender. He said that after school he and his friends played football in the dusty streets and on the open spaces.
In 1993, Mangai and his parents relocated to Motherwell, where he attended Nxanelwimfundo Primary School. As a learner who displayed leadership skills, he was elected as a class representative. He also played soccer at Nxanelwimfundo Primary.
After he passed Grade 7, he studied at Ncedo High School, where he was elected as school representative and also played soccer.
He then decided to study at Mfesane High School, which was very near his home. Mangai served as a member of the Mfesane High student representative council. He was the school’s senior team goalkeeper.
Mangai played for Camper United’s U/14 team for one season. He was then promoted to Camper first team, as a goalkeeper, under head coach, Mluleki Zinja, and president, Zola Jonas.
He said, “It was not easy to play in the senior team because since I am short and the senior team goalkeeper was very good. I told myself that I should be patient because the right time would come.
“One day, the senior team goalkeeper could not play because of his personal commitments and I got a chance to showcase my talent. Then I became the regular first team goalkeeper.”
In 2001, Mangai joined MOSA (now known as MOFA) referees’ panel. He became a SAFA NMB referee.
He was encouraged by the then SAFA NMB Referees HOD, Mzimkhulu Fina, to focus on refereeing.
He quit playing soccer, although it was a tough decision. In 2004, he became a referee in NFD Vodacom League (ABC Motsepe League.)
In 2013, he was promoted to the PSL national referees’ panel as an assistant referee. His first PSL game as an assistant referee was between Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic at Goble Park Stadium.
He has since received many awards as a referee and an assistant referee. He appealed to young, up-and-coming referees to be fit, understand the rules of the game and be fair at all times.
