Malcolm Jacobs has finally found his mojo at Richards Bay FC, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
Malcolm Jacobs has taken his time to make his mark in South African football but things finally seem to be coming together. The Richards Bay FC goalkeeper is now focused on helping to guide his club to Premiership promotion.
The 32-year-old started his footballing career playing for West End United in Athlone before he was scouted and snatched up by Old Mutual Academy. After a stint at Hellenic Academy, Jacobs went on to join Chippa United, who were playing in the Vodacom League at the time, at 17.
His promising career as a footballer came to a halt due to personal issues and his decision-making off the field, even after the Chilli Boys gained promotion to the National First Division (now GladAfrica Championship).
‘Yes, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve had plenty of disappointments along the way and I’ve let myself down as well with my actions in terms of behaviour. I am man enough to admit my faults,’ Jacobs told SoccerClub.
‘I’ve learned to accept things I couldn’t change but control what I can. I had to be harsh and accept my shortcomings and I’m still working on that. But I’m growing and enjoying the journey.’
After his spell at Chippa, the Crawford-born keeper returned to Cape Town to join Glendene United, back in the Vodacom League, but the turning point in his career came when he joined Highlands Park at 24.
Jacobs spent the next two years at the Lions of the North, followed by a loan spell with Mbombela United and a permanent move to Ubuntu Cape Town FC, before he signed for Richards Bay in January 2020 in the GladAfrica Championship.
His hard work and dedication have been rewarded with a two-year contract extension with the KwaZulu-Natal-based club. ‘I’m my biggest critic but we have a phenomenal goalkeeping department and we continue to push each other,’ Jacobs said.
‘Our coach always demands excellence. Always wanting to be better than what we were the previous day. There is always room for improvement and I just continue to look to improve and learn from wherever and whoever I can.’
Jacobs’ commanding presence between the sticks for Richards Bay this season has kept alive his side’s hope of gaining promotion.
‘We will show that we can compete in the PSL and it’s where we as a team and Richards Bay deserve to be. I believe it’s our identity and cannot change it but we can always improve and continue to grow as a team.
‘Personally, I want to show I am more than capable of playing in the PSL and do so consistently. But not for anyone but myself, because I’ve always believed.’
While he has been one of the standout goalkeepers in South Africa this campaign, he continues to be overlooked by Bafana Bafana. There have even been rumours that Spanish giants Barcelona have been showing interest him.
‘Barcelona is a far stretch but, gee, who wouldn’t want that? As a professional, you always dream of playing with and for the best. Like I said before, I’ve adopted an approach to control what I can and if something comes, then we will look at it but I am happy at Richards Bay FC.’
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