Ndzila - Midfielder who turned first choice goalkeeper

Congo goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila started his football as an attacking midfielder. Ten years later he is the first choice shot stopper for the Red Devils in the ongoing Total African Nations Championship (CHA), Cameroon 2020.

The 26 years old was Congo’s U-17 third choice goalkeeper in the U-17Africa Cup of Nations in 2011. Despite not being selected for the final tournament, he was later in the same year a part of Congo’s team in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. Since then he is playing for local side AS Etoile du Congo.

Ndzila spoke to CAFOnline.com about his career and the ongoing CHAN.

CAFOnline: Being the goalkeeper is always complicated. You carry a huge burden on your shoulders. Do you feel so?

Ndzila: It’s my job and I have to do it. Of course, the first game was a bit heavy for me because it was my first time to start in this kind of competition. In previous tournaments I was mostly on the bench, like CHAN 2014 and 2018. It was not easy but thank God I followed the instructions of the coaches which allowed me to be a little more efficient in the first matches.

Is there some kind of competition with the other 2 goalkeepers in your team?

I’m doing my job well and it’s the coach’s choice. All three keepers came here came to work and give the maximum.

How do you see your first game against DR Congo?

I really enjoyed the game despite the fact that we unfortunately lost. Our performance was not bad. I followed the coach’s advice to be calm, serious and careful. Unfortunately, we relaxed at the start of the second half and conceded very quickly.

In Football nowadays, goalkeepers are real stars. Is this how you see your future career?

Definitely. When we are young, we dream of playing for a big club. I can say I wish I was a star but in a good way.

What is your personal goal in this Total CHAN?

CHAN is a mirror competition for us, an opportunity to be seen, to give the maximum and get contracts. There are countries with championship not broadcasted too much, so we have the opportunity to play this competition and we have to do something to get professional contracts.

How did the transition from midfielder to goalkeeper go?

In the 2nd division I played as a field player, an attacking midfielder. Then I tried my luck as a goalkeeper and it worked well so I decided to continue between posts.