David Nyathi

**David Sibusiso Nyathi** (born 22 March 1969) is a retired South African soccer player, who is currently the assistant coach at Ajax Cape Town, and previously coached their under-19 team. David Nyathi's style of play was characterized by his defensive and attacking capabilities. He was known for his ability to whip in one of the best crosses in the game and his balanced footballing skills. Nyathi's defensive prowess was complemented by his attacking ability, making him a versatile player who could adapt to various roles on the field. His nickname, "Going Up," was given by the Orlando Pirates supporters due to his skillful ability to overtake opponents and find himself in front of defenders, showcasing his talent and entertaining the crowd. Regarded as one of the finest South African defenders ever in his position.

## Club career

He began playing professional football at the club Dangerus Darkis in 1987, which made its debut in the 1991 season in the NSL. After his debut season, in which his team took a place at the bottom of the standings, David "went for a promotion" to the Orlando Pirates club. He became part of the team after Bafana Bafana's return to international football in 1992. Then he moved to Cape Town Spurs, with whom he scored a golden double in 1995, winning the national championship and cup. During 1996, he defended the colors of the Kaizer Chiefs team.

With his play for the latter team, he attracted the attention of representatives of the coaching staff of the Tenerife club, which he joined in 1996. He played for the club from Santa Cruz de Tenerife the next season of his playing career. During 1997-1998, he defended the colors of the St. Gallen team. In 1998, he signed a contract with the Cagliari club, in which he spent the next year of his playing career. In 2000, he moved to the Ankaragucu club, for which he played 1 season and finished his professional career as a football player.

## International career

In 1992, he made his debut in official matches as part of the national team of South Africa. During his career in the national team, which lasted 8 years, he spent 45 matches in the uniform of the main team of the country, scoring 1 goal.

As part of the national team, he participated in the 1996 African Cup of Nations in South Africa, winning the title of continental champion that year, the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia, the 1998 African Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso, where he won silver with the team, and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

## Coaching career

Following his retirement, he coached at Cape Town Spurs in a number of roles, including assistant coach, and head coach for the Under 12, Under 15, and Under 19 youth teams. As of 2022, he was coaching the Under 16 team.

## Honours

- MTN 8: 1993
- Premiership: 1994
- Telkom Charity Cup: 1993, 1996
- Castle Challenge: 1992
- National Soccer League: 1995
- Nedbank Cup: 1995
- Swiss Cup: 1997–98

## Infobox (football biography)

- **name**: David Nyathi
- **fullname**: David Sibusiso Nyathi
- **birth place**: Bushbuckridge, South Africa
- **position**: Defender (association football), Defender
- **years1**: 1987–1991
- **years2**: 1991–1994
- **years3**: 1994–1995
- **years4**: 1995–1996
- **years5**: 1996–1997
- **years6**: 1997–1998
- **years7**: 1998–2000
- **years8**: 2000–2002
- **clubs1**: Dangerous Darkies
- **clubs2**: Orlando Pirates
- **clubs3**: Ajax Cape Town F.C., Cape Town Spurs
- **clubs4**: Kaizer Chiefs F.C., Kaizer Chiefs
- **clubs5**: CD Tenerife
- **clubs6**: FC St. Gallen
- **clubs7**: Cagliari Calcio
- **clubs8**: MKE Ankaragücü, Ankaragücü
- **caps1**: 145
- **caps2**: 31
- **caps3**: 64
- **caps4**: 15
- **caps5**: 1
- **caps6**: 56
- **caps7**: 106
- **caps8**: 55
- **goals1**: 6
- **goals2**: 3
- **goals3**: 7
- **goals4**: 0
- **goals5**: 0
- **goals6**: 1
- **goals7**: 0
- **goals8**: 0
- **totalcaps**: 473
- **totalgoals**: 17
- **nationalyears1**: 1992–1999
- **nationalteam1**: South Africa national soccer team, South Africa
- **nationalcaps1**: 45
- **nationalgoals1**: 1
- **managerclubs1**: Ajax Cape Town_(Assistant)_