One of the best midfielder-cum-strikers to have ever been produced in the Vhembe area, Christopher "Chris" Mahandana, described one of the highlights of his playing days when he was part of the Mahwelereng Real Rovers team that was promoted to play in the PSL second-division league.
The team had gifted soccer players in the mould of Alex Bapela, Andries Sebola and Gerald Raphahlele, who all went on to play for Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively. "That was one of the best teams I have ever played for in my football career," said Mahandana, who had been the darling of local soccer fans in his heydays.
Everything began when he starred in his home team, Ngovhela XI Experience, in his teens. After his first year in the team, he was already a household name in the then Venda homeland. He was later signed by Mahwelereng Real Rovers, based in the Mahwelereng township. "I played my best football then, in the semi-professional soccer league," he said.
During that time, the slippery midfielder also worked for the Venda Development Cooperation (VDC). He had to commute from Thohoyandou to Mahwelereng every weekend, and that was very difficult for him. He decided to move on to a team that was based closer and joined Tshiulungoma Pepsi The Angel in 1991.
"I was head-hunted by Pepsi The Angel's coach, Kennedy Ndlazi. I played with youngsters like Links Ragimana, the late Baldwin Mahlale and Khangela." Mahandana also played for United Scientists and Dynamos in the PSL. Most local fans remember him from playing for the then Venda National team. The stadium would reverberate with the name "Chriiiiis!" whenever he was in possession of the ball.
But he was not the only shining star in terms of football in his village of Ngovhela. Mahandana said the village had produced many talented players way before him. He remembers the era of Scara Ramagoma, who was a ferocious striker. "After Scara Ramagoma came Ace Musie. Those two were much better players than me," he said.
When asked how he got to play until his late 30s, he replied: "The secret is to take care of one's body. You have to keep training and avoid wild nights and parties. It's a commitment you choose to make."