How a coach got his striker a girlfriend to end his goal drought

Former Moroka Swallows striker Mame Niang has confirmed one of the most unusual stories in South African football involving his former coach Gavin Hunt.

Niang, who joined Swallows in 2005, endured a difficult spell in front of goal after failing to score in several matches.

Hunt, who was concerned about the Senegalese striker’s confidence, decided to take an unconventional approach.

Speaking on iDiski Dine, Hunt recalled the story, explaining that Niang had failed to score in his first four matches before his confidence began to dip.

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“In his first game, second game, third game, and fourth game, he failed to score,” Hunt said.

The coach then asked Niang whether he had a girlfriend. When the striker said his girlfriend was in Senegal, Hunt pointed him towards a woman who regularly visited the gym.

Niang later confirmed Hunt’s account, revealing that the woman came home with him and they spent the night together.

“It’s a true story. I felt very relieved in a way,” Niang said.

The unusual intervention appeared to work immediately.

In his next match against Free State Stars, Niang scored all four goals as Moroka Swallows secured a 4-2 victory.

“I think we played Free State Stars away and we beat them 4-2 and I scored all four goals. So the story is true,” Niang recalled.

The striker went on to finish the 2005/06 season as the PSL’s leading scorer with 14 goals, earning the Golden Boot. He subsequently secured a move to German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg.

Watch the video below:

A Player in the South African League didn't score in 5 games, so his Coach got him a girlfriend to cheer him up.

He scored 4 goals in their next game.

The Player, Mame Diang 🇸🇳 became the Top Scorer with 14 goals that seazon, and joined German club, Wolfsburg.

🎥 iDiski Dine. pic.twitter.com/E1szmhiXy1

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) August 18, 2026