Sibusiso Zuma

Sibusiso Wiseman Zuma (born 23 June 1975) is a South African former professional footballer who played as a forward or midfielder.

Club career

Early career

Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma started his career for South African clubs Mighty Pa, African Wanderers and Orlando Pirates.

F.C. Copenhagen

In June 2000, Zuma joined Danish club F.C. Copenhagen, where he blossomed as a player.

In 2001 Zuma was tied for 29th place for the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year award, for his performance in the 2000–01 season.

He helped the club win its second Danish football championship in the 2000–01 season, where Copenhagen won the Copenhagen Derby 3–1 in the last match of the season. He scored a bicycle kick that match, volleying the ball into the top corner out of Brøndby keeper Mogens Krogh's reach. This was later voted the Danish goal of the year, and was voted the best Superliga goal of the decade in December 2009.

Zuma was voted into the club's hall of fame for his outstanding efforts in the 2004–05 season. In 2006 Zuma was voted number one by the fans among the greatest profiles to have ever played in F.C. Copenhagen.

In March 2013, FCK TV visited Zuma back in his home country for an interview, where he stated, "I enjoyed every day at the club", that he is very thankful and "owes everything to the club." Later that year, Zuma's bicycle kick was voted the greatest moment in the history of F.C. Copenhagen. As a result, a monument was created to honor Zuma. Zuma himself was invited by F.C. Copenhagen and attended Parken Stadium on 18 August 2013 where the unveiling of the monument took place, which is a replica of his bicycle kick.

Arminia Bielefeld

After five and a half years at FC Copenhagen, Zuma was sold to German Bundesliga club Arminia Bielefeld for €1 million in July 2005.

Mamelodi Sundowns

On 21 June 2008, Zuma signed for Mamelodi Sundowns. He was released in the summer of 2009 and in October 2009 he had a trial period with FC Nordsjælland, eventually being signed by the club.

Nordsjælland

On 16 October 2009, he signed a one-year contract with the Danish club FC Nordsjælland. On 8 November 2009, Zuma scored his first goal for Nordsjælland in the club's 1–0 win over SønderjyskE. When Nordsjælland visited F.C. Copenhagen on 24 March 2010 in a Danish League match, Zuma played well and was substituted to a large majority of the F.C. Copenhagen supporters applauding him. A distinctly touched Zuma claimed that the home supporters were incredible.

Vasco da Gama

In 2010, Zuma joined Vasco da Gama, based in Cape Town. He played one season for the club.

SuperSport United

In 2011, Zuma joined SuperSport United, where he stayed until announcing his retirement in 2015.

International career

He has represented South Africa 67 times. He played for his country at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Zuma was the captain of South African National team at the 2006 African Cup of Nations tournament.

Personal life

Sibusiso Zuma Foundation

In 2010, Zuma opened the Sibusiso Zuma Foundation which works with young kids with HIV. The foundation also works with "prevention and education about HIV/Aids" and "the prevention of HIV infection and/or the distribution of information relating to HIV/Aids".

Nickname

He is also known as "Zuma the Puma" to the Copenhagen supporters and "Puma" appears on his shirt instead of "Zuma" in the PES 2009 video game.

Incident

On 25 June 2007, it was reported that Zuma had been involved in an incident in his home country South Africa. After an altercation there were allegations that he threatened to shoot a group of men at a party in Kokstad. The local police investigated the situation, and Zuma was prevented from leaving the country for a period, but no charges were made.

Family

Zuma told in the 2002 documentary "Zuma the Puma" that his father was never very supportive of his footballing career, never believing in him, telling him he would never be good enough, never coming to his games and always working instead. When Zuma moved to the Orlando Pirates in 1998, his father told him "The good players play on the national team." Zuma's father died the day before his son played his first game for the South Africa national team.

Career statistics

:''Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Zuma goal.''

Honours

F.C. Copenhagen
*Danish Superliga: 2000–01, 2002–03
* Danish Super Cup: 2001

FC Nordsjælland
* Danish Cup: 2009–10

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zuma, Sibusiso
1975 births
Living people
Soccer players from Durban
Men's association football forwards
F.C. Copenhagen players
FC Nordsjælland players
Arminia Bielefeld players
South African men's soccer players
South Africa men's international soccer players
South African expatriate men's soccer players
2002 FIFA World Cup players
2002 African Cup of Nations players
2004 African Cup of Nations players
2006 Africa Cup of Nations players
2008 Africa Cup of Nations players
Bundesliga players
Expatriate men's footballers in Germany
Expatriate men's footballers in Denmark
Orlando Pirates F.C. players
South African Premier Division players
Danish Superliga players
Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. players
Vasco da Gama F.C. players
SuperSport United F.C. players
South African expatriate sportspeople in Germany
South African expatriate sportspeople in Denmark
21st-century South African sportsmen