Benedict Vilakazi (soccer)

Infobox Football biography
playername = Benedict Vilakazi
fullname = Benedict Bongani Vilakazi
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1982|8|9
cityofbirth = Soweto
countryofbirth = South Africa
height = height|m=1.65
position = Midfielder
currentclub = Mamelodi Sundowns
clubnumber = 17
contractend = 30 June 2012
years = 1999-2007
2007-2008
2008-present
clubs = Orlando Pirates
AaB Aalborg
Mamelodi Sundowns
caps(goals) = 170 (47)
5 (0)
0 (0)
nationalyears = 2002-present
nationalteam = South Africa
nationalcaps(goals) = 31 (2)
pcupdate = June 19, 2008
ntupdate = June 19, 2008

Benedict Vilakazi (born August 09, 1982 in Soweto, Gauteng) is a football (soccer) player from South Africa who plays in central midfield for South African club side Mamelodi Sundowns. He has been noted as one of the smallest current professional international footballers (standing at a mere 1.65 m) but makes up for this with a strong physical presence.

He was born in Diepkloof, Soweto and is nicknamed "Tso" and "Little Napoleon" due to his leading skills.

Biography

Vilakazi, who has been the subject of interest from clubs such as Porto and Lokeren, and played for South Africa at the 2006 African Nations Cup in Egypt. His professional career was rocked by sex scandals with juveniles including being dragged to court on allegation of statuatory rape. He was however acquitted of the charge as it was alleged that it was with consent. The complaint has since given birth to his son. He publicly apologised to soccer fans after his acquital. The sex scandal also prohibited him going through with his move to the Swedish side Djurgården that was supposed to go through right before the scandal hit.

On July 27 2007, he was tranferred to Danish Superliga club Aalborg BK. He was given a 5-year contract. Due to sickness he has not yet adjusted to the European style of football, and therefore he has only played a few games in the Danish league. Benedict Vilakazi returned to South Africa July 2008, signing a contract with Pretoria based side Mamelodi Sundowns where he is also joined by former FC Copenhagen striker Sibusiso Zuma.

External links

* [http://aabsport.dk/D9F0E860-B9F4-4ADF-B984-D671D77AA564.W5Doc?id=bdba2bb1-2b61-4c81-9c1e-dd1866dd2313cc AaB profile]
* [http://resol.dr.dk/sportservice_person.aspx?personid=433695 Career stats] at Danmarks Radio

Persondata
NAME = Vilakazi, Benedict Bongani
ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Vilakazi, Benedict
SHORT DESCRIPTION = South African footballer
DATE OF BIRTH = August 9, 1982
PLACE OF BIRTH = Diepkloof, Gauteng, South Africa
DATE OF DEATH =
PLACE OF DEATH =