For many young footballers, the dream is simply to make a name for themselves on the pitch and one day wear their country’s national jersey with pride.
For Niyaaz Josephs, goalkeeper of Motsepe League hopefuls Grassy Park United, the journey comes with an added dimension. As the son of former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, comparisons are inevitable. The fact that Niyaaz plays in the very same position as his father can be both a blessing and a burden.
Yet rather than being weighed down by expectations and legacy, the 21-year-old has embraced the challenge, using it as motivation to forge his own path in the beautiful game.
Niyaaz’s football journey began at Wits Juniors, where he spent time between 2014 and 2016 before being drafted into the senior set-up for a number of seasons.
In 2018, he joined Ikapa Sporting in the ABC Motsepe League before moving to Nova National in the Third Division of Safa Cape Town.. A subsequent six-month spell at Cape Town Hotspurs followed as he continued to gain valuable experience.
His move to Hanover Park after the Covid-19 pandemic proved especially rewarding, helping the club secure promotion to the Motsepe League. Niyaaz’s performances did not go unnoticed and also earned him an opportunity with National First Division outfit La Masia, an experience he describes as a major learning curve.
“The trial wasn’t easy at all if I can be honest because it was a level higher,” Niyaaz conceded. “There were some very good players and you needed to pull your weight. It gave me a proper perspective.
“But the family bond the squad displayed helped me as they would always encourage and motivate me whether I was playing or sitting on the bench. It was a real eye-opener.”
As fate would have it, Moeneeb also found himself at La Masia as the club’s goalkeeper coach, creating an opportunity for father and son to work together in a professional environment.
For Niyaaz, the experience was far from straightforward.
“Eish! It was tough, hey,” he laughed. “This was all new to me because I never had training from him before due to his hectic schedule when he was a professional player. To me it felt like he was picking on me, but if I look back now I can say wow.
“I’ve learnt so much from him during that time. It has been really fruitful. He improved aspects of my game that I didn’t even know I could improve. I must also give him credit for the goalkeeper I am today because he taught me a lot in a short space of time.”
Perhaps more importantly, Moeneeb prepared his son for the scrutiny that comes with carrying a famous surname.
“You can think for yourself the scrutiny I got, but he made me understand that everything I achieve will be through my own work and effort. He told me not to worry about what people say and to focus on my goals and ambitions. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
The former Mondale and Trafalgar High learner has also benefited from the guidance of respected coach Andrew Pequeno, first at Hanover Park and later at Vasco da Gama. It therefore came as little surprise when Niyaaz eventually reunited with Pequeno at Grassy Park United.
“Coach Andrew has also played a huge part in my career and I’m very grateful for the patience and confidence he has shown in me,” said Niyaaz.
“The only way I can repay that faith is through good performances and, of course, clean sheets.”
While proud of the Joseph name, Niyaaz is determined to be recognised for his own performances and achievements. His commitment on the training ground and willingness to learn have earned him the respect of teammates and coaches, while those who have followed his progress speak of a young goalkeeper eager to improve every aspect of his game.
Rather than relying on his surname, Niyaaz understands that talent alone is never enough. Hard work, sacrifice and consistency remain the key ingredients in his pursuit of success.
The influence of his father continues to be significant. The guidance, support and football knowledge passed from one generation to the next have proven invaluable. Yet as his career progresses, Niyaaz is steadily building a reputation that belongs entirely to him.
In many ways, he represents the perfect blend of tradition and ambition. While honouring a proud footballing legacy, he is tirelessly writing a chapter of his own.
For Niyaaz, the journey is only just beginning!
