Nasieg Simons was about to sign a soccer deal that would have boosted his career, but instead his life changed forever in 2022 when he was shot seven times, leaving him disabled.

Nasieg, 21, from Tafelsig, told the Plainsman on Tuesday December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I spent the day with my friend. He dropped off his family and we made our way to his house. He stayed on the corner where I was standing with a friend, Muneer Dreyer, who stood with me. A taxi rushed by the house and two men got out and started shooting at us,” said Nasieg.

“While laying on the ground I looked over at Muneer who was laying on his stomach and bled out. I was in shock and tried to remain calm. I was shot in my left leg and right thigh, the rest were in my back. I couldn’t feel my legs.”

He tried to get up, “and the next thing I knew I was in hospital. I don’t know who shot at us,” he said.

His mother Shanaaz Simons said she finished her shift at work when she got the call. “I wanted to get to the scene, I felt helpless, scared and angry.”

According to Mitchell’s Plain SAPS Brigadier Brian Muller, the incident happened on Saturday October 29, 2022 at 6.49pm near the corner of Maureen Street and Erica Street, Tafelsig.

Muneer got shot in the back and died on the scene. Nasieg was a bystander as the incident was gang related. One person has been arrested for the crime with a court appearance on Wednesday February 5, 2025, he said.

He felt fine from the waist up and thought he would leave the hospital after his operation, the next day. He didn’t have a phone for several days. While reading messages of encouragement from friends and family, he found out that he won’t be able to walk again.

The former Beacon Hill High School student had to sign a soccer deal with an ABC Motsepe League team. This would have boosted his career with SAFA (South African Football Association), he said.

Nasieg Simons was about to sign a soccer deal with an ABC Motsepe League team. This would have boosted his career with the South African Football Association (SAFA), he said.

Lots went through his mind the first time he went to a soccer field after the incident. “Many asked me when I’d play again. I trust that my path would lead me to coaching clinic opportunities to help where I can,” he said.

Nasieg Simons made it to his high school matric ball in 2022.

Nasieg is currently unemployed but doing small things to get by. He stays with his mother, and two younger brothers.

“The Lord is testing me to use my arms instead of my legs. There are many going through much worse than me. I want to help my mother and grandma be comfortable in life, and still be the older boeta,” he said.

His former school coach, Adrian Bothma, said Nasieg was the type of player the opposition gets frustrated at. His small stature allowed him to accelerate quickly. A player that resembled him is Manchester United’s Amad Diallo. “Nasieg always wears a smile, cracks a joke. He even found a place where he could put all that energy into, when I saw he was learning to box. His resilience is a testament to his upbringing and his love for people,” he said.

Nasieg Simons went back to school last year but could not finish due to transport issues. He is currently unemployed but doing small things to get by, he said.

Niyaaz Jeaven, founder of Enable Foundation support group, who also became disabled after being shot in Philippi, started his initiative for people in similar situations. He met Nasieg through friends. “I’m working hard to assist disabled people make a living, the grants are not enough. We look forward to the future for better opportunities for disabled people.”

Ms Simons said she’s proud of Nasieg for always being positive through this. He still has the mindset he always had before the incident; having big dreams and working towards achieving it.

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Nasieg’s resilience shines through