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THE GAME FAVOURS NO ONE WHAT AMAKHOSI WHAT CHIEFS HAVE DR KHOZA WAS MUST DO BEEN TOLD ME NEVER A TO BEAT TRACKING AFTER PRIORITY PITSO & ME SINCE BUCS FOR 2019 MOVE CHIEFS

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Argentina Lift Messi Cup, he led Argentina to a third-place finish at the 2019 Copa America. But In the early hours of Sunday morning, he wanted more, he wasn’t finished. South African time, Argentina won a He wanted that one international In this edition of football match against Brazil. It was trophy in senior football - remember a game like many others. A game of he already won the 2005 FIFA U20 90 minutes, 22 players on the pitch World Cup and the 2008 Olympics. officiated by a match official, two He wanted that monkey off his iDiski Times: coaches shouting from the sidelines, back, of people telling him he is not 3 - Junior vs Tso one ball, two penalty boxes… And among the greatest players in history yet, it was a game like no other! It because he never won a trophy with was the game that many football fans Argentina. He gave it his all, he scored 4 - In the news around the world and in history will four goals and assisted five more in remember for Lionel Messi. It was the Argentina’s run to this year’s final. 5 - Austin Dube game many will remember for Messi’s But in the final, something different teammates racing off to their national happened. It wasn’t Messi, who 6 to 7 - captain, who had fallen down on his carried Argentina and his teammates, knees, overwhelmed by emotions it was the other way around. His 8 to 9 - Fixtures after the final whistle. Teammates teammates fought bravely for 90 racing off to Messi to celebrate with minutes and more. They tackled, 10 to 11 - Monnapule Saleng him, to hug him in this moment of they fouled, they prevented Brazil pure joy and in this moment where so from getting into their stride and 12 to 13 - Stanton Fredericks much weight and pain had fallen off they scored. They scored that one his shoulders. Teammates, who sang goal that ensured Lionel Messi will 14 to 15 - Farouk Khan Messi’s name, teammates who lifted not retire without an international him. Teammates who celebrated trophy - a superb lob from Angel Di 16 - Arthur Zwane what they had just achieved more for Maria following a fine long ball from Messi than themselves. Teammates Rodrigo De Paul. Messi, meanwhile, who had won the Copa America final didn’t have a great game, it wasn’t for Messi. poor by any means, but he just wasn’t in the game and even missed a What you may have missed Over the past 16 years since his brilliant chance to make 2-0. Argentina debut, Messi had tried to carry his nation, try to live up to But Argentina lifted Messi! His expectations of his home country, teammate, Emiliano Martinez, who who desperately wanted another had saved three penalties in the hero like Diego Maradona. Messi semi-final shootout victory against had helped Argentina to reach four Colombia, explained the mood within major finals: the 2007 Copa America, the Albiceleste camp perfectly, saying the 2014 FIFA World Cup as well as “I said that I preferred that we win the 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas, it (for Messi) before me. Today we but fallen short at the final hurdle could give it to him. It was what he all those four times. It hurt Messi wanted most in his life.” more than anyone, it hurt him so much that he had even announced his international retirement from Argentina after the 2016 final, the fourth one he had lost.

However, he came back. He helped a visibly struggling Argentine team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World

Chiefs Announce New Chippa United Bring In Signings Hunt Football Didn’t Come Home into old habits, when they showed - Again! more fear than courage, when they After being unable to sign players last is back. After being just focussed on defending. But their season due to their FIFA transfer ban, sacked at the end of May by Kaizer Football didn’t come home, instead it defence was breached and it almost Kaizer Chiefs began to announce their Chiefs, the four time league winning went to Rome. Meanwhile, England’s seemed like their spirits were broken. new signings ahead of the 2021/2022 coach was unveiled as the new head 55 years of hurt and pain without a Yes, the game still continued until season. Many names were expected, coach of Chippa United last week. major trophy in international football the 90th minute and into extra-time, as they had been expected to sign continue. Many English fans had but it didn’t feel like England could last season if the ban was overturned, Chippa were coach-less after hoped that this tournament will be come back - at least not to this writer. including former Bidvest Wits players Lehlohonolo Seema had left the club different. That this young, talented In the end England stumbled into Brandon Petersen, Sifiso Hlanti, after the playoffs, to take over at and multi-cultural team had what it penalties, a huge mistake given their Phathutshedzo Nange and Kgaogelo Golden Arrows. Hunt’s appointment takes to finally lift the country’s first poor record in penalty shootouts at Sekgota. They have also signed took many by surprise, especially at ever UEFA European Championship. major tournaments. Italy, meanwhile, Njabulo Ngcobo from Swallows, a club like Chippa who have had five And it all started so brightly. Luke seemed content and believed in their while after leaving AmaZulu, Sibusiso coaching changes last season. Joining Shaw scored the fastest goal in own mental strength to overcome Mabiliso joins as a free agent. Given Hunt at Chippa is former Bidvest Wits Euro history after just 117 seconds, yet another obstacle on their path to Thibedi has also been recalled from colleague Roy Limongelli, who is the sending 58 000 fans inside a packed glory, and they did. Italy lifted their his loan at Swallows. club’s new technical director. Wembley Stadium - probably more second European crown, when many because scenes of many, many fans fans inside the stadium had long without tickets passing security left. Italy are taking the trophy to barriers and entering the stadium Rome, while England’s years of pain made the rounds - sending those continue. inside the stadium and millions country-wide into sheer eruption, But what must be highlighted is the into a party-mood they had never fact that we can debate whether experienced. Probably 80% of them or not Jadon Sancho and Marcus were not yet alive when England lifted Rashford, a 21-year-old and a the 1966 FIFA World Cup, their only 23-year-old who had just brought major trophy in football to date. on to take a spot-kick, should have taken a penalty. We can debate However, England’s party was whether Buyako Saka should have gatecrashed. Gatecrashed not just been put in a situation where a by their own fans, but also a very 19-year-old carries the weight of a resilient Italian team. An Italian team, nation, of millions of football fans on who overcame many setbacks as the his shoulders with the final penalty. tournament progressed. An Italian But what we can’t debate is the team that looked tired for large parts endless hate those three players have Pirates Unveil Players Champions Confirm Four in the semi-final against Spain as received on social platforms since New Players well as in the first 30 minutes against missing their attempts. The English Last week Orlando Pirates announced England. A team that had lost left- team has taken a knee in every game the signing of Goodman Mosele from Not to be outdone, DStv Premiership back Leonardo Spinazolla to a serious of this tournament, they have made a Baroka, Monnapule Saleng from Mamelodi Sundowns announced injury, that conceded the quickest stand against abuse and racism. Yet, Free State Stars, while the former new signings at the end of last week. opener in a Euro final and that later the very same moment these players Maritzburg United pair of Bandile In April iDiski Times broke the news also lost Federico Chiesa - arguably crack under the massive amount Shandu and Kwanda Mngonyama that Pavol Šafranko was set to join the Man of the Match in final until pressure and miss a penalty, they joined on free agents. Pirates have Masandawana from Romanian his substitution - to injury. Yet, Italy get abused, they get scapegoated. also brought in former Golden Arrows outfit Sepsi OSK SF, and his were the ones celebrating in the end. “They are English when they win, but head coach Mandla Ncikazi into their transfer as well as Divine Lunga (from Leonardo Bonucci had equalised in they are black when they lose.” It’s technical team, as the team who Golden Arrows), Neo Maema (from the 67th minute, during a spell when this mentality that needs to leave our finished third in last season’s DStv Bloemfontein Celtic), while Grant this new England generation fell back stadiums and the beautiful game as Premiership race, look to become title Kekana has joined from neighbours well as society overall. contenders. SuperSport United. PAGE 2 Junior vs Tso

Junior Khanye Tso Vilakazi I Question 3 Chiefs Signings How Long Will Hunt Survive But Ngcobo Is A Star At Chippa United? Kaizer Chiefs Announce is Nange. Nange was not getting game Gavin Hunt Joins Chippa SuperSport United he was the main time at Stellenbosch FC, he was coming man who signed his own players. If he Six New Players! off the bench most of the time and I United! is given all the powers, Gavin Hunt will don’t think he is good enough for Kaizer do well at Chippa. The question perhaps Last week, Kaizer Chiefs announced six Chiefs. Honestly, even when he was at I was really surprised to hear that Gavin should be; what does doing well at new players that they have signed for Wits, there was nothing special about Hunt had been appointed as the Head Chippa mean? Which coach has survived the upcoming season. A lot of people Nange. These are the concerns I have Coach of Chippa United. My first thought a season at that club? That is my worry. have been asking me what I think of with South African football, some of was “How is this going to work?” I asked Hunt can do well, but what does that these signings. In this week’s column I these signings are nothing but business myself this question because Chippa mean at Chippa United? Time will tell. am going to give you my honest opinion deals, they have nothing to do with Mpengesi and Gavin Hunt are strong about these players, and I hope you will talent. Mabiliso is another one I am not personalities who like imposing their will Mngonyama Signing enjoy my analysis of the new signings. convinced with, because he did not play in situations. Both are like lions, and we Remember as well that Chiefs were not the whole season at Amazulu.. all know that two lions cannot occupy Puzzling allowed to sign players, therefore, this the same space at the same time. I is their first chance to show us how Njabulo Ngcobo Is A was actually expecting to see Gavin Before I close off this week, I want to say serious they are about building for the Hunt at Marumo Gallants, especially I was really puzzled by Orlando Pirates future. For those who do not know who Superstar. since we are hearing that Dylan Kerr is signing Kwanda Mngonyama. His career these players are; Brandon Peterson, having contractual challenges. Chippa has been going backwards recently Sifiso Hlanti, Phathutshedzo Nange, The signing of Njabulo Ngcobo is United was the last team on my mind and for him to be signed by a big team Njabulo Ngcobo, Sibusiso Mabiliso, and excellent. This player is a star. I love him. particularly knowing their history with is questionable. There are other good Kgaogelo Sekgota. He reminds me of Mbulelo Mabizela. coaches. defenders out there and Kwanda is not someone who is going to improve the Where Is Hlanti Going? Defenders must play football properly, Who Has Survived A defense problems at Pirates. People they must know how to build up from were asking about these signings at Season At Chippa? I do not understand why Kaizer Chiefs the back. This player knows how to do Pirates, Kwanda stood out as one that are signing Hlanti of all players. This that. He is the reigning Defender of the shocked me. Chippa Mpengesi said Gavin Hunt is player does not have tactical discipline Season. I would love to see him play a long-term commitment and that he as a defender, he spends more time on for a team that is going to play to his will be a manager instead of a coach. the ball and he does not have a sense strength, a team that will build up from This means that he will be allowed to of urgency. Sometimes you see him the back. I know that does sign his own players and make his own vacating his position at the back leaving not play that kind of football. Kgaogelo decisions. We have heard all of these his defensive partners exposed. At Sekgota and Brandon Peterson are good words before and we know that as soon Bidvest Wits and Bafana Bafana he had players as well. We will see next season as results are not forthcoming, Chippa the same problem. At Swallows FC, he if they will add value to Kaizer Chiefs. Mpengesi will fire the coach. Gavin Hunt did not improve on his defensive flaws. My only feedback to Sekgota is that is a good coach, he has won four league I genuinely do not understand why he needs to variate his game; he can titles and he performs really well when Hlanti is being signed by Kaizer Chiefs. not only rely on taking on defenders, he is in an environment that allows him Another player I have a problem with sometimes he should play 1-2 passes to eliminate defenders. make his own decisions. At Wits and

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PAGE 3 News Broos’ Contract Only Starts This Week BY VELILE MNYANDU before returning to to its now believed that he’s returned officially start his job. to Europe and would be back in the Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo country when Broos also returns. Broos will finally see his contract iDiski Times has also reliably learnt Mkhalele also tested positive for commencing on 15 July and he that Broos will only start getting Covid19, on the eve of the COSAFA is expected back in the country paid from the commencement Cup, leaving his assistant Morena before the end of this month, in of his contract which is from this Ramoreboli in charge of the team. time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup week, contrary to what many qualifiers which get underway in believed that he would be paid for “Yes, of course. The coach has also September. the past two months as well. indicated that he will be going to This was confirmed by the South be vaccinated and as promised, African Football Association The 69year-old coach had indicated he will be here before the end of (SAFA) technical committee during his first press conference this month and to continue the chairperson Jack Maluleka, who that he would not be in charge preparations. Unless we would was commenting on the side lines of the COSAFA Cup and CHAN experience the issue of course, of the COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha matches and delegated that duty because of the lockdown that where Bafana are currently playing. to his assistants Helman Mkhalele we are facing with but the coach Broos, who signed a five-year and Cedomir Javenski will handle we expect him to be here for contract to coach Bafana back those matches. He also missed the the preparation for September in May, is yet to officially start first international friendly against qualifying games. But of course, of in his new position as he had Uganda in June which Bafana won course he did make did mention to return home to Belgium for 1-0 with a youthful squad. that Helman Mkhalele will be given vaccination. It’s believed that he the opportunity to take the team will be taking his second dose of Javenski tested positive for Covid19 through,” said Maluleka. vaccination sometime this week just before the Uganda game and Amakhosi Going For Gold Kaizer Chiefs play in the biggest Nurkovic has featured in eight Manyama featured in eleven achievement for us, the whole club, And that’s the reason why we’re in match of their 50 year history on matches through the competition, games on the road to the final, everybody associated with Kaizer camp at the moment, and working Saturday when they face defending scoring three goals. but unfortunately missed out in Chiefs, it’s a huge, huge moment, out strategies, and structures and champions Al Ahly in the CAF the semi-final win over Wydad probably the biggest moment this plans on how to actually face this Champions League final. “Amazing feeling for me honestly, to Casablanca due to injury. club has ever been in. And to be huge game coming up on the 17th. qualify for CAF Champions League a part of it, and to have played a And I’m sure that they also are The historic match is set to played at final. When I was a kid, I was always “The CAF journey for us as Kaizer huge role in it, it’s an honour, it’s an expecting a lot from us. Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, dreaming to play such a big game Chiefs, you know, there’s been a lot honour and a privilege.” - Lebogang Morocco. and dreams rarely come true and of things, you know, it’s been a lot Manyama So it’s just a game of being focused I honestly can’t wait to play that of things. We faced obstacles, we and, you know, each team taking While many had thought the game. It means a lot to me and my faced different cultures, we’ve had Nigerian goalkeeper Akpeyi has their opportunity when it comes. 2020/2021 season would be one career, because since I have started to to see how other countries live, played in six games in the CAFCL, So we are preparing for that big to forget for the Amakhosi, the playing football, this is something how other people are, you know, and is yet to concede a goal in the day, preparing for the big team, team proved naysayers wrong by that I was working hard for. And and it’s been very nice, but at the competition. and looking at the history of the reaching the continental final, and I really can’t wait for that game to same time, it’s also been a bit tough, team again, you realise that they’ve it will be one they never forget if start. Also it means a lot for the club you know, but ja, I mean, it’s you, “Well, for history sake, I’m sure they’ve won a lot in the Champions they are victorious against Pitso as well. And I’m really happy to be you learn through the toughness, everyone knows Al Ahly to be a very League, so I’m sure they have that Mosimane’s Egyptian club. a part of such a big club like Kaizer and also, to understand to be a tough side. They are solid team, experience with them. We are Chiefs and it’s just second year for South African, when you go to some and it’s a team that you need to coming as underdog, but we respect Three players who have played big me from being a part of this big club other countries, you really realise actually focus 120% and the 94th them, but at the same time we’ll be roles in Chiefs’ progressing to the and really big achievement, and like how blessed you are and I was minute that you’re going to be coming with our A game.” - Daniel final have been Samir Nurkovic, I said I can’t wait really for the game very grateful for that opportunity. playing them. So it’s not going to be Akpeyi Lebogang Manyama and Daniel to start.” - Samir Nurkovic Obviously, to get a chance to be in an easy day. But I’m sure there’s a Akpeyi. the final of the CAF is is a huge, huge reason why we’re preparing early.

PAGE 4 Austin Dube Chiefs Have Been Tracking Me Since 2019 Following reports that Kaizer professional football? get this treatment; you feel that you Obviously we have to be capable of Chiefs are set to conclude the know I’m somewhere in the East of passing the ball when the team has signing of Bafana Bafana’s AD: Look being a professional Africa, I’m longer in South Africa, so to start the ball from the back, be centre-back Austin Dube, football player comes with a lot of you feel that. Even now during this able to play, be able to mark, read he has since confirmed that challenges, actually, being an athlete. tournament, the past two games the game, anticipate well; you have the Phefeni glamour boys One, it’s a short career, something when we were playing Botswana and to have good anticipation, all that. have been following him for that can end anytime, you know, so Swaziland, you could feel that we are That’s what modern football needs the past two years. Dube, you need to have a back-up plan. not playing against boys from South from a centre-back not just defend, who was a member of the TS I mean if you don’t get where you Africa. It is this feeling that when you defend, defend. If the team has to Galaxy team which shocked want to be in football then you play there, obviously there’s going play, you have to play. You have to be Chiefs, beating them 1-0 in can have something on the side to to be that thing you feel that now it’s comfortable on the ball when playing, the final in 2019, help you proceed with life. So it is another level, you are longer playing not just mark and defend. is coming a long way with very important to have a back-up with local players and stuff. So that his football career. One of plan than just focusing on football, alone, I mean playing COSAFA Cup VM: Are you looking forward to the products of Varsity Cup because we have serious injuries reminded me of that experience the next chapter (Kaizer Chiefs) of football, the man who hails and stuff, your career can end at any when we played in Madagascar, your career? from Ermelo in Mpumalanga time so you need to have a back- Seychelles and Nigeria. also holds Honours in Public up plan; qualifications, educational AD: My career…sure most definitely. Management from the qualifications help a lot when it VM: What’s different between this University of Limpopo. After comes to that. football and CAF football? VM: You must be excited with how playing in more than 30 things went season and how it is matches in all competitions VM: And I’m sure when you were AD: They are more physical, those finishing? this past season, scoring five there, because when you say in guys are more physical and being goals and helping the team to 2011 I remember in 2011 I went to tactical and the treatment, they still AD: You know, like great things reach the promotional play- the World Student Games in China believe in home ground advantage, happen to those who wait actually, offs and also the Nedbank Cup in Shenzhen… And I’m sure you you have to feel the pressure of so I had to wait for this moment and quarter-finals, Dube is looking were looking forward to being part playing away. That’s what’s actually now things are starting to happen forward to the next chapter of the World Student Games. different. and they happen in a short space of in his career. In this interview time. The way things are happening with iDiski Times senior AD: Yes of course, when you are VM: But it was surprising at TS now, the national team call-up, but writer Velile Mnyandu at the at Varsity and being someone who Galaxy, when they suddenly I had to wait like seriously, I had to COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha, the is into sports, when big chances of bought the status of Highlands wait, I had to be patient about it. 28-year-old is looking forward proving who you are, you want to be Park many thought that you were to donning the famous gold part of that, you part of those people going to make the step-up, but you VM: The national team and the big and black colours of his who go and show the world what left for Richards Bay. How did that move… childhood club. they capable of. So yeah, I wanted to come about? be part of it but at the same time I AD: Yes the national team is a big Velile Mnyandu: Austin let’s talk was more focused on my studies and AD: Actually that was my decision. move, you say… very exciting. about how you been feeling in stuff, so I couldn’t just focus more on I thought maybe it wasn’t my time the past two weeks, being part of sports and leave my studies on the because everything has its own time. VM: But what people don’t know the Bafana Bafana camp, I don’t side. So I took a decision together with the is that this big move is not just think something that you thought chairman, he was the President of people who are looking at you it would come this sooner in your VM: Very interesting. So when TS Galaxy, that I’m leaving the team. now, they have been following you career…especially after seeing you were at Turfloop, this was That was my decision in the team long before… yourself back in the NFD (National also the time when there was I hadn’t decided back then where I First Division). How have you been an opportunity, Varsity Cup was would go, but I decided maybe it’s AD: Yeah since 2019 if I’m not feeling? in the picture as well. It’s so time I go somewhere else. mistaken, since 2019, it’s just that interesting that you are telling me it had to take some time for it to Austin Dube: I have been feeling that you are one of the success VM: But you were leaving an happen. great you know like being in the set- stories of the Varsity Cup… VM: You started the TS Galaxy opportunity TS was playing the up of the national team and stuff. But project because in your first Premier Division, but you were VM: And you must be grateful to then as a footballer you have to be AD: Yes, yes back in 2014 I actually season you went on to win the remaining in the NFD. Richards Bay for giving you time up for anything. I knew it was going played all the games in 2014 for the Nedbank Cup, I had been following and not holding you back? to come but when I wasn’t sure, I University of Limpopo, that’s where the story, you played against AD: For me it’s all about being happy, knew anytime, it could be sooner or everything, this professional thing (Kaizer) Chiefs in that final, that wherever you are like, if there was AD: I am, I am grateful to Richards later but anytime. I have been feeling came about, in 2014. must have been the highlight of a need for me to leave because of Bay, to the chairman mostly to great, it’ been a great feeling being your career? me being not happy anymore at coach Simo Dladla, you know, for part of the team. VM: Who scouted you? the club, then I had to do that. I believing in me and understanding AD: Yeah that’s where everything thought happiness has to come first, my capabilities and stuff. I’m very VM: How confident are you in you AD: Who was the scout at Thanda started, that’s when I started to feel it wouldn’t help if I stayed but wasn’t grateful. and your abilities? Royal Zulu? Actually the team like everything is coming together, happy. So I had to be happy first so I manager back then, the late Thabang actually now my dreams are starting can perform to my full capability, so VM: The club that you are going AD: Yea I’m very confident in Gumede. Yes it was Thabang to come true at TS Galaxy when we it was more of me being happy than to, is a club that they support at everything I do. Gumede. won the Nedbank Cup in 2019. Then being loyal to the fans and stuff. home? we went on to play in the CAF Confed VM: Where does that confidence VM: So this was coinciding with the Cup, it was a big deal and being the VM: And you had a very good AD: (Laughs) yeah man, it is, come from? time that you were graduating as first team obviously from the lower season at Richards Bay FC, helped everyone at home they support it well? division to win a major trophy, a them to the quarter-finals of the and I mean like everyone at home. AD: From the mind set actually and major tournament in the country; it Nedbank cup and came very close It was even difficult for them, they the heart. If you have the heart of a AD: Yes, I was doing my honours was a big deal. to getting promotion there… had to choose sides when we played lion everything is going to be positive degree in 2014 so I signed actually a in the Nedbank Final in 2019, they so mostly it comes from the mind set pre-contract and then continued with VM: What made you guys click in AD: Yeah and I had to play each had to choose either they support and from the heart. my studies until I graduated. I left that tournament, especially in the and every match. I played all me or to support their club, so it was and that’s when I went to join Thanda final because Chiefs came in as the matches actually, the league difficult for them, seriously. But it’s VM: Let’s go back… I think I first Royal Zulu. favourites? matches including the Nedbank Cup actually been my club since I was saw you when you were with TS matches and then one match in the growing up. Galaxy in the NFD. I went to watch VM: Do you feel like partly, AD: Actually we didn’t have anything promotional playoffs. Obviously I one of the games in Kameelrivier. whatever you want to do post your to lose going to the final but we had didn’t play the last match because I VM: I’m sure you can’t wait But let’s track back, you and career, you’d like to start with it everything to play for. We were very was suspended. Yes I played almost to play the COSAFA Cup final, football, where are you coming now because while you are still motivated, everyone wanted to play, every match, when I got there I because Chiefs is playing the from? active and everyone is looking at we were definitely motivated. We told myself that I want to play, it is CAF Champions League final on you, you must take advantage? went there and told ourselves let’s each footballer’s dream or wish to Saturday and the following day AD: Yoh! I started playing football just go to play, yes we had respect for play every match. So I told myself I here it’s the COSAFA final. I’m sure when I was a young boy you know AD: Yeah I think about it, but then them, actually we told ourselves that want to play, I don’t want to just add you would like to finish what you at the age of seven, eight. Obviously now at the moment I’m permanently we didn’t get to the final by mistake, numbers you know. I was blessed started here. back then it wasn’t something serious investing all my time in football so it we go to the final in a proper way, enough when I got there, they knew but I started being serious about it becomes a bit difficult for me to do like having beaten the likes of Golden me already, I got coach Simo (Simo AD: Yeah I’m looking forward to that when I was doing my first year at the other things on the side because my Arrows, so we went there motivated Dladla) who believed in me then I and as things stand we are definitely University of Limpopo back in 2011, main focus now is football. and hoping to win. helped them, scored goals, yeah going there, I think we are going to that’s when I actually started being that’s it. play in the final we are going to get serious about it, while I was a first VM: So you moved to KZN, for how VM: When you look at what to the final. Anything is possible with year (student) at the University of long did you stay there? followed after that, an experience VM: Is that one of the advantages the squad that we have, we are likely Limpopo. that maybe you look back now because a modern centre-back to win the COSAFA Cup. AD: I stayed there for a season, a and the matches that you are is not just a defender, I look at VM: What were you studying? year, 2015, from there I went back to playing now, as much as it is your yourself and I look at Happy Jele, VM: So it means that you and Mpumalanga in Witbank, that’s when first time in the national team, the long pass, those diagonal balls, Mapholoba (Njabulo Ngcobo), you AD: I studied Public Administration. I started playing for Witbank Spurs. but what you are seeing here is I mean if you look at the assist will be starting your combination something that you tasted in the here the first game that you gave here? VM: How important is that? VM: At Witbank Spurs also you CAF Confederation Cup. to KaltegoMalinga, is this one of Sometimes others wait until one didn’t stay long there… your strengths? AD: (Laughs) I’m not sure about that, is finished with football before AD: Yes, similar, like the experience but if things go the way we want studying but how important is the AD: I stayed for two seasons then is similar. You know when you are AD: Yeah, I have this educated them to go, that’s what is actually advantage of having finished your went to TS Galaxy. playing away from home, away left foot that provides all the going to happen. studies before starting to play from South Africa, you know, you passes while from the centre back.

PAGE 5 Pitso Mosimane PITSO : Why Chiefs Are More Suited To CAF CL Than Pirates & Sundowns Pitso Mosimane has to the final in the last Champions I look from the other side. And it will could you see when Orlando Pirates have good good height. I mean Eric literally lifted almost League edition were only the teams be a boost for our country to have played Raja Casablanca. At home Mathoho and all those people, about every trophy there is to who finished second. And this year, the three big teams with the star. it looks like Pirates have a chance. five players are tall. I was watching win - first in South Africa we finished second also as Al Ahly, Why not? But we are not welfare or But just go away and come to North their game yesterday, watching and we’re in the final. But as I told a charitable organisation of handing Africa, things are totally different. So their set pieces yesterday. Ai ai ai, and now he is conquering the boys, you know, let’s get through out stars, we know we must earn continental football you play totally big boys! There is Gonzalo Castro, the African continent the group stages. The preliminaries it, everybody must earn it. Al Ahly different, it is a different kettle of Mathoho, Mathoho’s partner (Daniel as well as the world. and group stages to be honest, it’s a want to make their own La Decima, fish. And you need to have the right Cardoso), there is Samir Nurkovic, He is a serial winner, formality, you have to do it. And you they call it Al Achra here. And Chiefs players, need to have the right tactics five big boys. So that gives them an probably one of the have to respect it but the Champions want to win their first star. But I and not be emotional. Don’t play it advantage of playing in Champions greatest coaches Africa League starts in the quarterfinals, would congratulate Kaizer Chiefs for like in a local league. Right players, League, crosses and headers. They has ever seen. However, to be honest and then who you get the journey that they had, what a the right tactic. The weather also score a lot of headers, and that’s one on Saturday, he will face and where you play home and away. season they had! A team that never plays a big role. If you go to Algeria, of the things that also determines Sometimes it’s better sometimes signed anyone else. If we look back don’t go there in winter, because it’s Champions League football. I think a different task. He will doesn’t. Because you want to say, if to last season with my employers, raining and in Algeria, nobody comes you saw how we won, why we got face Kaizer Chiefs, the you finish at home is an advantage. I managed to win the league in the out there. It’s not easy to come out. the draw at Mamelodi Sundowns. I team that he grew up I don’t think it’s an advantage for my last 18 minutes. It is unbelievable In Tunis, you saw when we played had five to six more big boys there supporting. He will face a former team, because two years in and they are the very same team Esperance they only allowed 5 000 and I know Mkhulise is short. I know team, which has reached a row it has been like that we didn’t supporters but the game had to stop Maboe is short. Tapelo is short. Sirino the final against all odds go through. And Al Ahly, we can say because of fireworks. Just during the is short is short. The and a team he himself has it’s better for us to finish second I was watching Chiefs game, they light those things and in Namibian (Peter Shalulile) is not labelled as “awkward”. because we are always in the final game yesterday, some ways, it’s like a full stadium. short, but not a big boy for set pieces. when we finish second. So yeah, So to win the Champions League is So and then, Mothiba was playing But ‘Jingles’ hasn’t shied everybody has a chance. Everybody watching their set pieces totally different. also left back. So how many does away from the media and feels, everybody believes that he can yesterday. Ai ai ai, big it leave? Rivaldo will always cover gone secretive about Al win it and we should all go for it. boys! There is Gonzalo So if you don’t win the the near post. And then it leaves Ahly’s preparations for the Champions League, could Al more Mosa Lebusa and Ricardo upcoming CAF Champions Can you give us a reflection of Castro, Mathoho, Ahly show you the exit door? Nascimento as the main markers. League final - he has faced where your mindset is going Mathoho’s partner So I knew that if you bring the big South African media head into the final knowing that PM: Welcome to the real world. So I boys we’ll always get something. If (), there is the delivery is good, you get some. on, in very open, honest your country flag is being jumped from Mamelodi Sundowns, Samir Nurkovic, five big because I knew the DStv Premiership So that’s how Champions League is and insightful virtual flown on two fronts. played. You must never undermine press conference with the boys. They score a lot of is sorted. Let’s be honest. Any coach should be able to win the DStv that there is a goal from Kaizer Chiefs South African Football PM: Yeah, I understand because headers, and that’s one from set pieces and free-kicks and there’s a little bit of a conflict that Premiership with the team that Journalist Association of the things that also Sundowns have and remember I Nurko can always sneak one even it (SAFJA). He gave local I’m South African playing against my it’s not connected to a free-kick. favourite team, my home team. The determines Champions reinforced that team and I made journalists 90 minutes, team I supported when I grew up. sure that that team should win the League football. Do you think that you’ve a full game, organised But at this point in time, it’s about DStv Premiership for the next four by his South African me and my family and my team. years. And there’s no doubt I believe earned the respect of Egyptian representatives MT Sports Those come first. And I think it was that they’re winning again this year. legends now? that one stage was laying 12th on No doubt, because I’m looking at Management & Marketing, the same thing when I met Mamelodi the lock in 2020/21, losing to Black to ask him anything they Sundowns, it was the same thing the competition. I’m looking at the PM: Al Ahly legends are Al Ahly Leopards. I saw that match and I direct competition, I say maybe the legends, especially those who had wanted. iDiski Times had when I was a coach for Sundowns think they also lost to Chippa, if I’m and I played against SuperSport personnel that is being gathered the golden generation. We call it the pleasure to be part of not mistaken. And then they come even now is not strong enough to win the golden generation. That the United, where they gave me my and go to the final and come back it and put the best content break to be a coach. So when it the DStv Premiership. So I believe golden generation that once Kaizer of those 90 minutes that with integrity and finish in top eight Sundowns can win it again. This is Chiefs played with (ADD NAMES) comes to that it is either I want to at the end. So what a story, for me, preceded one of the give the medal to Baxter or I want another level, you know. So the win unbelievable generation (ADD it’s an amazing story to be honest. the DStv Premiership is another NAMES) let’s be honest. That’s what biggest games in Pitso to keep it. And I think you know the I’d like to know what happened in Mosimane’s coaching answer to that. But it would be nice end. Just to cut it short, if you don’t it was, a golden generation of Kaizer that story, because it’s very awkward. win the Champions League, and you Chiefs. Al Ahly had generations of career and the biggest also, to have another South African I’ve never seen something like this. game in Kaizer Chiefs team to get the star, to be honest, if Probably the reason is the changing history into the interview of the technical team, probably I’m If we be given the same situations and same teams in below. Sit back and enjoy not sure. And maybe this issue of Europe, you don’t think we will do it? I mean, you can’t the ride! not signing players, probably has affected them. Then they doubted tell me I can’t win one game in La Liga with one of the themselves in the league. But when middle of the table teams. What are thoughts on the it came to Champions League they CAF Champions League were a monster. final? don’t win the league, you might as Abou Treika, Wael Gooma, Barakat, You have set the standard so well try and look other way. So that’s those guys and with Manuel Jose, Pitso Mosimane: I believe that high, you are the defending why I’m here on the edge, because I they had no competition. They were any coach who comes to any can’t be in a comfort zone in South they were running the world. And match, he thinks he’s got an champions and at many Africa. And then what? I’m done with all those five, six players were also equal chance of winning. And I big clubs around the world comfort zone. That’s what the Eagles in the Egyptian national team with think Arthur Zwane thinks the not winning the Champions do, they face the storm. coach Hassan Shahat (check) and same or should I say Stuart League leads to the sacking of nobody wanted to face the Egyptian, Baxter? I’m not sure. You know, the coach. So could Bibo give be it in the Champions League with in South Africa, there’s too Does the continental and you a red card if you don’t win Al Ahly, be it with the national team. many coaches, you don’t know Champions League football the Champions League? They were strong with the golden who’s sometimes in the charge. favour Kaizer Chiefs style? generation. You can talk about the (Laughs) So is it Arthur or Stuart? PM: Welcome. Welcome to the PM: I think that Arthur Zwane golden generation of Bafana, it is real world. I faced that in South gone. So I don’t have the golden Baxter is running the show. Africa also, in terms of the league. wanted to give it a go, and we should give him respect for that. He has generation. But I have to make sure Because I think if you don’t win the that we win. But what we are, we I would presume that Baxter done exceptionally well. And you PM: league at my former employers, are a very effective team. We don’t wants to win his first Champions know how Stuart plays his game you face the sack, let’s be honest. have those big stars. We are very League. Why not? We all had also. It suits what they have there I’m not sure about the Champions effective. We win when it matters our chance. And he believes the and probably it suited Gavin in the League. Because Champions League most, because all the trophies we same and the same as I believe. Champions League, and maybe not is a different kettle of fish, it’s very have played for we have won. There’s I told the boys when we came in the DStv Premiership. And you difficult. Champions League is never been a trophy that I’ve played to the quarterfinals, I said that’s can say maybe the same thing about played different, you need to have for ever since I’ve been here and when the Champions League the top three in South Africa, they experience, extensive experience of I’ve been involved in five trophies. starts to be honest. The group might be suited for DStv Premiership, playing the champions. It’s not how We have won four. The last one stages, yes, it’s a process that Pirates and Sundowns, but maybe good you are, it’s not how well you that we did win if I can say, we got you have to follow to go to the not for international competitions. pass the ball. No this is way beyond a medal, a bronze medal for Africa quarterfinals and it determines I think a very good example for you that, it’s complex. Maybe one day at the Club World Cup, where we who finishes first and second. is when you saw Orlando Pirates, we’ll unpack what Champions League represented the continent. I mean, I And that’s a big story of finishing and also my former employers, and is about. This is not the players. Yes, didn’t expect to win against Bayern, first and second, because probably that’s why Kaizer Chiefs you need to have the players because it is very difficult. But when it came I saw the Sundowns coach are in the final because they play you can’t win without good players. to face the champions of Conmebol, commented, he said, maybe he different kind of football, especially But why you don’t win it when you Palmeiras, the team that is produced must be the second next year away they can hold on. They are have only have good players? It’s all the big stars that we see playing because all the people who went a different story. And I think you strong at set pieces. They are strong and set pieces. They are strong, they in Europe, we did. So that’s it for me,

PAGE 6 I’ve ticked my boxes, and I’ve got the PM: You want to put me into trouble are ready for the exit of those top Champions League, where we are in now. Do you think I should comment three. I don’t want to answer those I don’t know if the DStv Premiership can survive without the final, what am I asking for? And on the Super League of Patrice questions. But let’s see, you know, Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns. So I don’t know. I don’t in the league we are still behind with Motsepe? Not at this stage. It is a big there’s also benefits on this thing. the games, but if it happens, that we challenge the Super League. If you The benefits is money. You know, know if the sponsorship behind the DStv, all the money will all our games in hand, will should ever get the buy-in in North Africa, but I can also say that it affects the that is being spent, we are ready for the exit of those top be the number one, we should be the you have a chance. But I don’t know money also, what’s going to happen three. champions, this is in our hands. So in if the Egyptian league will run without to PSL, if those three go? What are that space, I think the legends you’re Al Ahly, Zamalek? Because football you going to watch? Do you think, good and all that. But once you play Milan, Berlusconi. Unbelievable. It’s also interviewing, they say whatever in is the most important thing. you’d still subscribe to DStv and in the Champions League space, in unbelievable. What stories are they? they say. Sometimes legends, they This is not the DStv Premiership watch and pay your bills every the final, in a cup final in the league, And I look at my stories here where I forget that they didn’t even come in South Africa, where we can do month? I don’t know. It is a big one. you win or you don’t win. There’s am dealing with Dr. Patrice Motsepe, to training themselves. Sometimes other things. Here there’s nothing always going to be somebody who unbelievable stories. Unbelievable. they missed games. Sometimes they else but the football is football. You Would it mean more to you, likes you and who doesn’t like you. And I said to myself, I think dealing were irresponsible. But I have one must make sure that the football if you would win this year’s And anyway, this story, why not? Why with Patrice Motsepe was a little bit Wael Gooma, I’ve got I think Abou side and the political side is proper Champions League? Because should everybody should praise you? easier than Ancelotti dealing with Treika spoke well about me, and the and the country is settled. If Al Ahly last year you took over from Once you want everybody to praise Berlusconi, and you got to know others follow. But it’s not about me, fans and Zamalek fans are fidgety, Rene Weiler and then won it you, there’s a problem. We have who’s been responding. So it’s our life I’m not in a popularity contest, you and they’re not happy, it’s not good a problem with your personality. and in future maybe I’ll tell you my know, me, I don’t even focus on it. for the country. So I don’t know if from the semi-final, while this Once everybody talks so much well life with Dr. Patrice Motsepe, you’ll My job was to win the next game. that can happen. I don’t know if the year you were in charge the about you, there’s a challenge. So I get the shock of your life. So as long as Al Ahly is winning the DStv Premiership can survive without whole campaign. don’t play in that space because I’ve next game, as long as Al Ahly is still Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns. So had my challenges at SuperSport You think you are going to in the Champions League, that’s it. I don’t know. I don’t know if the PM: Ask Thomas Tuchel, ask was Jose United that I didn’t win the league be respected more on the And this generation I have, they say, sponsorship behind the DStv, all Mourinho, ask those coaches. Every at SuperSport. I had my challenge at continent, if you win another if they win the Super Cup, and if they the money that is being spent, we time there’s talk if they’re good or not Bafana to say ‘oh, but you you failed win the Champions League, that Champions League? generation the golden generation There was an article again, of Al Ahly with a with a big coach They might be suited PM: Manuel Jose, I think he is the most somebody from Brazil, I think. He successful coach Al Ahly has ever for DStv Premiership, said there are no coaches who’ve had, they have never had that record Pirates and Sundowns, won more trophies like me in one year. And that’s why they say why I in one season. So they want to beat but maybe not that record. was nominated for for FIFA Coach of for international the Year. Nominations are going to What was driving you to leave Europeans, winners of Champions competitions. I think a League or European League or what? Sundowns and South Africa to very good example for Okay, we got three at Sundowns, move to Al Ahly and Egypt? you is when you saw I’ve got three here. I’ve got six in one year. I mean, you got to understand. PM: I just like to jump. Honestly, I Orlando Pirates, and also So records are there but they don’t jump. like to challenge systems. I like my former employers, mean nothing. So I would like to to challenge problems. I am fidgety. I and probably that’s why go away from records. Whether need to know why I needed to know you’re being respected or not, my what is this thing about North African Kaizer Chiefs are in the work must speak for me. Not what football. It is about time somebody final because they play people think about me or how they from South Africa knows and are looking at me, my personality, understands North African football. different kind of football. and outspoken as I am, all the time And we should change the mentality and I stand on my ground. If I think of North African football. And I made you’re shortchanging me and you’re it’. I have my challenges at Mamelodi it my job to do that. That’s why I left not respecting me, I speak. But Sundowns and everybody was saying, SuperSport united, I was in comfort sometimes I keep a little bit because ‘oh, Rulani was coaching my team, zone there seven years. I could still there are times where I say to keep oh Manqoba was coaching my team’. be there for the next 20 years. And I quiet for some time, because a lot of All those things, I moved on. I came left to go to Bafana to be an assistant things have been happening. There’s here and when I was at SuperSport coach. That’s the whole thing, it’s to good stories behind and when you United I won two trophies, I went to jump. And I wanted to understand talk, you might spoil it. I think you the Champions League, and I think I international football because I’ve understand what I’m trying to say, at qualified for the Champions League played international football. But this point in time. There’s been good four years in a row or three years in I wanted to see what is this North things that has happened for me in a row. So there’s always gonna be African dominance? What makes that, my last eight years, and I rather keep somebody saying ‘he’s been lucky’. what do they do? What is happening? quiet because if I open my mouth it is But it’s 21 years. You know, I’m happy And you know how much I fought going to be an issue. So I don’t want. on my interviews post games, after to be lucky for 21 years. And I’ve moved on my life. I’ve left SuperSport, losing to them being angry and And last words about your you know me I’m very angry when I I went to Bafana, and I left, I went to lose and saying whatever I say. But Sundowns, I’m here now. And I am time at Al Ahly so far coach? I wanted to move, now I know the not hiding behind any head coach, It’s been nine months that I’ve North African football. I want my or I take full responsibility when the PM: been here, it’s a long way or it’s a fellow South Africans to know North team loses. short way, it’s the life of a football African football. I believe coach Gavin coach. It is a life of Carlo Ancelotti, it Hunt can coach in North Africa, no If you win this final, do you is a life of Tomas Tuchel to be fired at doubt, no doubt about it. But he think people will hold you in PSG and then next thing he goes on opted for Chippa, it is his life. North the same regard as Manuel and wins the Champions League. It Africa, when you go to North Africa, Jose on the continent and Pep is a life of Jose Mourinho, it is the life this is not playing golf and and all Guardiola or Jose Mourinho of Pep not winning the Champions that, there’s no life. Forget about League with Man City. You go on and it. I can’t go to a shopping mall. abroad? go on. And those are legends, those I’ve been to a shopping mall once, As I said. Sometimes you do this top Top coaches. So realize, you’re once in nine months I’ve been to PM: and then you’re unaware that you’re gonna live through that and there’ll shopping mall. And I was escorted breaking another record on the other be positive, there’ll be negatives, and by three bodyguards to go out to the side. I saw a journalist from from we move on. You know, sometimes shopping mall. Because the people Ghana posting something yesterday it’s always good to look back. And look at football different. Imagine of about me about breaking records. when you look back, you say, oh, by we have a team that’s supported by But I’m not in football to break the way, where do I come from? And more than the population of South records. If you’re chasing that, you’re sometimes you can say, oh, okay, Africa, 70 million. Because I can’t go in trouble. I mean, Pep has won so many trophies, I think there’s in a public space, I can’t move. It is a so much. Alex Ferguson, so many something right happening. And bit crazy. Whether you win or lose, trophies, but if you chase records, you should be grateful to God, the doesn’t matter. You’re in trouble. you can be in trouble. Luis Enrique support of your family, and support had a good record with Barca, but he of the media, because you guys have You’ve conquered Africa, what bombed out of the Euros the other supported me. If you were writing about Europe? day. There was an article that I’m all the negative stories it wouldn’t be in the top 10 coaches in the world. good. And also the continent. The PM: If we be given the same Does it mean anything? No, it doesn’t continent is supporting me, Uganda, situations and same teams in Europe, mean anything. There is coach Gavin Nigeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco, it is you don’t think we will do it? I mean, Hunt with big records, now he is at unbelievable. I’m blessed. I’m blessed you can’t tell me I can’t win one game Chippa. So what are records for? as South African. I never thought in La Liga with one of the middle of Look at my top coach, one of the that wecan have an impact to the the table teams. I mean, the level is coaches I respect so much. He went continent. Tanzania is unbelievable. the same. I think you could work for to Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti. Look You know, so, thanks for your publication in the UK, can’t you? Yes, at his records. He went to coach support. You guys put me on the so the same as me. Everton, can you believe it? That platform. And I’m standing on your guy has won the Champions League shoulders. And what’s your take on the so many times. That guy has won African Super League? Do the local leagues with Bayern, with Thank you coach, we’ll see you you think we are ready for all these big teams he has won the in the final. it, seeing African elite clubs league. I just finished reading his together? book, The Silent Manager. How he dealt with the former president of AC PAGE 7

Monnapule Saleng

My LifeMS: Pogiso Sanoka, Mohau Mokate, Iscame very close to makingChanging the them. The thing is I had a contract, so I didn’t have that chance. I wanted Orlando Pirates’ newly acquired attacker Sibusiso Hlubi. playoffs, how has your football so the team is the one that decided to go to City, but it’s done Monnapule Saleng grown from the time you spent where I was going but I had a so I’m going to Pirates. has revealed how the VM: What’s special? What are they there at Free State Stars? contract and Pirates approached doing differently there? Free State Stars, then Free State Stars VM: So you wanted to go to Cape Buccaneers fended MS: Eish, at Free State Stars we was interested in me going to Pirates Town? off competition from MS: Orbit is a team that develops wanted to win the league but what Cape Town City to get players and gets them ready to play we wanted didn’t happen because his services from Free professional. we changed coaches a lot (last State Stars. Saleng who season). We had Themba Sithole finished the GladAfrica VM: And it has an element of for five games without results, then Championship this school as well… we changed him for coach Heric past season as the top (Vladislav) we got results but we were inconsistent, then came coach goal scorer with 13 MS: Yes it has an element of school, they take players to school and if Milton (Dlamini) , Milton took the goals, has now set his you are not getting a professional team higher but what happened after sights on making a big contract they put you through school that we don’t know because he was impression in the top and when you are done with school fired I’m not sure for what, because league. Saleng, who hails they help you get a job. he didn’t lose. Then Coach Themba from the Bloemhof in the Sithole finished the season. So we North West, is the latest VM: In fact at some stage I heard had a lot of coaches and we had to professional football that there was a possibility that adapt to their different styles of play which kept pushing us back instead product from Orbit they were also, how can I out this, like a sort of relationship with of moving forward. I think that could College in Rustenburg, Jomo Cosmos . have been the reason we didn’t even an academy that’s been reach the top, we missed it by only slowly making its mark MS: It’s the first time I’m hearing that, three points, just three points for the in producing talent in the I haven’t heard about it. playoffs. local game. He will become just one of the many VM: So scoring is your thing... VM: You also finished as the top wingers at Pirates but one goal scorer, was it also a matter of this being your second season thing he is not afraid of is MS: Yes definitely scoring is my thing, I love to score I’m always in in the NFD you were getting more competition. At 23, Saleng the box, I like to play forward. I’m not comfortable, you knew what to still has a bright future a player that dribbles to the back, I expect in the league? ahead of him and in the dribble going forward but I look at past week he has shown the situation first. There are some MS: The season before I became his worth also in the situations where I have to check if top goal scorer, I didn’t enjoy a lot of colours of Bafana Bafana there is cover at the back and I just game time but I kept working hard at at Cosafa Cup tournament don’t go forward. training. I didn’t focus on the fact that I wasn’t playing or that the coaches currently underway VM: These are some of the things weren’t picking me, but I worked in Gqeberha. In this that are holding back our game, and I was aware of my hard work. introductory interview the last time we saw players like I told myself that I’m just going to with Velile Mnyandu, that, it was Jabu Pule who was continue working hard, hoping to get Saleng also shares the forcefully going forward not just a chance the next season. Then the important message he got scoring but also providing assists next season I got a chance and that’s from Pirates chairman Dr as well… when I used my opportunity, worked Irvin Khoza. hard, scored goals for the team. MS: I’m one of those players, I like VM: I’m more interested… when Velile Mnyandu: Good afternoon to play forward. I’m a goal poacher did it become likely to you that Pule, you’ve just finished as but I don’t force to score, I may not this could be your last season at a top goal scorer Glad Africa even end up scoring, however there Free State Stars and that the time Championship, but let’s start with are moments in a game, if a moment for a move is coming. When did Free State Stars. How did you get comes and I must assist, I assist so you start to feel it? there? we win and progress. MS: To be honest I was just told what Monnapule Saleng: I got to Free VM: Now you are in the national was going on but I knew that Cape State Stars in 2019 from Orbit. We team I’m sure you have realised Town City wanted me, even my agent were playing a friendly game against that here they want players like told me before two games before the Free State Stars, they ended up that. season ends, he told me that Pirates selecting me from the friendly we (Orlando) want me so I have to push. played with them. So I ended up MS: Yes I have noticed and we have I pushed and the move happened being a Free State Stars player in to play forward because we want to so I kept quiet, I didn’t want it to go 2019 win, we can’t just sit back. Yes, we can play from the back but when do we to my head, because I’m wanted by get to the box? So if you have players a big team, that my job is finished like me getting into the box is easy and not work hard, so I kept quiet stuff. and kept it from going to my head, “To be honest I was just I’m that kind of a person. (Laughs) I told what was going on but VM: Tell us more about the felt it before the end of the season I knew that Cape Town City coaches at Orbit because if you that obviously top goal scorer at Free can count the players that you State Stars and they love Pirates, wanted me, even my agent counted it also means there is even their players they like to take told me two games before something special, especially from them to Pirates. the season ends, he told the coaching side me that Pirates (Orlando) VM: The Matlabas, Makolas, the MS: The coaches at Orbit, coach Chabalala’s they are a lot… want me so I have to push. Pogiso (Makhoye) and coach KB I pushed and the move (Kabelo Sibiya), they are people who MS: Yes they are a lot I and I felt it. happened so I kept quiet, went to school to study coaching. I told myself I must just push and I didn’t want it to go to my There you are taught how to be a whatever comes whether a big team professional and how to think like a or not, I wanted to be ready for head, because I’m wanted professional with the way they coach. anything. by a big team, that my job is Coach KB has coached a professional finished and not work hard, side before so he brought that thing VM: Did you grow up supporting so I kept quiet and kept it to Orbit so that we are always think Pirates? like complete professionals in when from going to my head, I’m we were in the ABC Motsepe league. MS: No, no, no (Laughs) I grew up that kind of a person.” supporting Chiefs (Kaizer Chiefs) VM: So you move to Free State Stars in 2019 that’s when you VM: You have never engaged moved there, who was your first Chiefs? Was it only Pirates also because I heard you mention Cape VM: It’s very interesting. I want us coach? “Yes definitely scoring is my thing, I love to score. I’m always Town City did they also speak to to talk more about Orbit because in the box, I like to play forward. I’m not a player that dribbles you? you are not the first professional MS: Coach Themba Sithole. to the back, I dribble going forward but I look at the situation player to come from Orbit. Who first. There are some situations where I have to check if there is MS: No I have not engaged Chiefs, are the others? VM: When you look at it, two cover at the back and I just don’t go forward.” seasons there and this season you but Cape Town City I did speak to

PAGE 10 wing a lot, that’s where I’m stronger MS: England, because England they MS: I wanted to go to Cape Town but when I play there. I can also strike. “I’m not scared of competition I only surrender after I have play fast football and the kind I play. Pirates is still okay because my style failed but I’m not a player who is scared of competition. I’m of play is suited for Pirates. VM: Interestingly I saw you, I going to compete, positions to play in the centre, wide or on VM: You will be playing for a team think it was in the first game and I that plays CAF competitions and VM: Why did you want to go to thought you are going to fit in well the wing…I can play as a winger, as a number 10 I can play left you are here now, this prepares Cape Town? You felt maybe you at Pirates because especially when wing I can play right wing left wing-back.” you to be ready for the CAF have a stronger chance of playing you come from the right wing Confederations Cup with Pirates… at Cape Town City? because Pirates plays inverted wingers. So you play on the right MS: Oh yes it is preparing to be MS: Yeah, because Cape Town City then you come inside and you ready because some of the players they keep the ball, tiki-taka, because I shoot and I think that’s how you who are from other countries have love tiki-taka from Orbit. I would have score most of your goals. been playing CAF matches so it’ loved to go where they keep the ball also preparing me mentally and I’m but Pirates is still okay because they MS: Ja, from the right I cut then I learning things from other players also keep the ball, it’s just that they shoot that’s how I scored to become how they are playing I take pointers go forward so my style of play is also the top goal scorer but most of my but I’m not sure how they prepare us suitable at Pirates. goals came from the left, I attacked at Pirates (Laughs) but I have learnt a a lot from the left than right .They lot by being here in camp. VM: They run hey… Because you didn’t play me on the right a lot but are also a ‘horse’ yourself. You I’m strong coming from the right. VM: When you were at Pirates used to run 100m at school? signing, you met the chairman? VM: When you got your call-up, you SM: Yes I did athletics, I was a runner must have been surprised? MS: Yes I met the chairman. back at school 100m, 200m, 400m sprints only. MS: Ja I was surprised, because the VM: And how was your time I got the call I was relaxing conversation? VM: Did you always come first? preparing to go to preseason at Pirates. So I got the phone call and MS: (Laughs) we had a good talk SM: Yes I was always number one they say I’m needed at camp, I was and he said I remind him of Lorch (Laughs). happy but I asked myself a lot of (Thembinkosi) and Lorch likes to eat questions. That is it really me who is Ting. VM: Has there ever been a going to the national team because I professional player from was with coach Pogiso, the one from VM: What is Ting? Bloemhof? Orbit at the time. They called him because he is also my agent. So they MS: (laughs) I forgot what it is but he MS: Yes. called him and I was with him and he says Lorch loves it, it’s something like tells me “man you are needed at the porridge. VM: Who? national team” and I was surprised and asked him if he was serious a lot VM: Oh I see it… do you also like MS: Cameroon Tshweu, but he was of times and he said yes the national Ting? playing the NFD. team needs you. I was surprised and happy at the same time. MS: (Laughs) I eat porridge but the VM: But you are the first one to chairman said Tswanas and Sothos play for a big team like Orlando VM: And the man of the match we like Ting. When he asked if I eat, Pirates and Bafana Bafana… award that you got against I said yes and he said I remind him …you must have been of Lorch. He also said I should go MS: Yes I’m the first one. excited… on with the kind of attitude I have because he could see that I’m not VM: What’s the reaction back MS: I was so pleased because I much of a talker I’m quiet and shy, home like after everything that pushed, but I wasn’t happy with I’m really shy. has happened, they announced my first half performance but not you at Pirates then you play for just me the whole team, we weren’t VM: You enjoyed the conversation Bafana, you get man of the match happy with the first half. I’m not with him? at Bafana… if its because of the pitch or our movement but we struggled first MS: I enjoyed the conversation, he MS: They are happy, they are very half, We didn’t created spaces that said I should continue being myself happy the whole of Bloemhof is coaches said we should create for but here in there are a happy because they can see they ourselves to be able to penetrate. lot of challenges and advised to not have a player, someone from So second half we made better do things that will end up killing my Bloemhof representing Lekwa- movements and were able to run on career, and to not get involved with Teemane in the PSL. They are happy. the space ja that’s when I got into the dodgy characters even if they have game in the second half. been in Johannesburg longer than I VM: How was the day when you have, as they could potentially ruin signed your contract at Pirates? VM: I’m sure in the next few my career. He says the way I carry matches, whatever happens you myself is good. MS: I was excited, I was happy my must finish with some goals here brother that me, someone from a to boost your confidence. VM: Fair enough…are you looking from township haai...big achievement forward to the derby? my brother. I was really happy, I was MS: Ja, I finished as top goal scorer happy. (Laughs) (NFD) so I have to score goals MS: Ja, yeyi, I can’t wait to play in the derby, the chairman also spoke to me VM: It’s like your life is changing about the derby hey… “I enjoyed the conversation (with Dr Khoza), he VM: What did he say about the MS: Yes my life is changing. It is derby? changing and obviously I’m going said I should continue to meet new people. I’m still going being myself but here in MS: He said I’m lucky there are no to adapt at Pirates and I don’t even Johannesburg there are fans, he says he wants to see how know Johannesburg I need to learn a lot of challenges and strong my heart is when we play with Johannesburg and how to live with fans in the stadium, or I would be other people without forgetting advised to not do things intimidated or scared to play. The where I come from. And I’m a person that will end up killing he said he will check me during the who always remembers where I my career, and to not Black Label Cup if I am selected. come from and I don’t drink and get involved with dodgy smoke. characters even if they VM: No, I’m sure now you will start checking if people are voting for VM: Strong competition, there is have been in Johannesburg you. The people are watching you Pule (Vincent) there…there’s Hotto longer than I have, as they here so the more you do well here (Deon) there…there’s Mhango could potentially ruin my the more they will vote for you for (Gabadinho) there…but tell us career. He says the way I the Black label cup… I’m sure you more, what other positions can are going to be checking from now you play because sometimes I see carry myself is good.” hey... you come central, sometimes you If I can just see myself playing go wide… form the other players in the PSL, I MS: in the derby…because I am strong but without putting myself under have learnt but I am ready for next VM: 13 goals, 10 assists that’s 23 I’m not scared of competition enough to play anywhere. I’m not MS: pressure. I don’t want to put myself season. I can take them on, I can do direct contributions in the goals… I only surrender after I have failed scared to play and I’m not scared of under pressure to score, if it doesn’t everything with the ball, I can play but I’m not a player who is scared of competition. happen that I don’t score, it’s fine, but with them because I understand MS: Yes … (laughs) I’m just happy my competition. I’m going to compete, if I don’t score I have to assist so that some of them, I observe others how brother, I help a team a lot with goals positions to play in the centre, we can win, progress and be happy. they play as PSL players just like and assists. VM: What’s your message to the wide or on the wing…I can play as Sibanyoni. Sibanyoni I know the kind Ghost? a winger, as a number 10 I can play VM: And training, do you feel like of striker he is. I adjust fast here. VM: I think your target now is left wing I can play right wing left you are playing with PSL players Europe? MS: (Laughs) my message to the wing-back. At Orbit they played me Buccaneers is that I will fight and and even at training you can fit in VM: I see that…so assists are also MS: Yes my target is to go and play in left-back, left wing-back, number 10, make them proud by winning and take the ball so it makes you your thing? Europe. wherever I play I play freely. I play like feel ready for next season? the COSAFA Cup. That’s my only I’m originally playing in that specific message. MS: yes assists are my thing too, 13 VM: Where? position but I love left wing and right MS: Ja, ja, I have been learning goals, 10 assists so ja.

PAGE 11 Stanton Fredericks Africa Was Never A Priority For Kaizer Chiefs - STANTON FREDERICKS

One wouldn’t blame blessing in disguise, because I only Stanton Fredericks for started taking football serious after feeling a little nostalgic matriculating. So at the age of 18, this month, with not only is when I could really go to all the training sessions at Wits and really Kaizer Chiefs playing Al try and do something. So early on, Ahly in the CAF Champions it was all about fun, it was never League, but also with the about this is what you’re gonna do. Tokyo Olympic Games Only after school did I then flirt with kicking off. Fredericks was the idea of okay, this is what I could of course a key member possibly do. of the first South African team to qualify for the RD: So, that also kind of explains how I remember young Stanton Olympics, back for the Fredericks having lots of flash and Sydney 2000 edition. flair, and then suddenly overnight, He of course was also a he became a very hard worker… key Chiefs player in the team that last tasted SF: I tell you what, when you play CAF success, when they the game for fun, and you play in lifted the 2001 Africa Cup the location, and there’s very little Winners Cup (now the development coaching, you play on your ability and your gift. And that is CAF Confederation Cup). what initially I had. But I think one of He also played in the last my biggest attributes is I can play to Chiefs team that met Al instruction and coming into a Wits Ahly (in the 2002 CAF Super side that’s been coached the English Cup). Rob Delport caught way with the John Latham’s, with the up with Fredericks, now Eddie Lewis’s, it’s your typical English a SuperSport TV pundit football, back in the day, not modern and commentator, to talk England, old England, where you got to work, you play as a team, you can’t about his career and some just be a luxury player, and play when of those memories… you have the ball, there’s a role for you without the ball. So very quickly, Rob Delport: First of all welcome I had to adapt to that, I had to learn to the pages of iDiski Times Stiga, how to tackle, I needed to fit in and and thanks for giving us your time. credit to the gents that I first came Let’s just start with a general into professional football with, was catch-up. How have things been Gordon Ewen - till today he’s a good going with you lately, we obviously mate of mine - Kevin Rafferty, Roan hear your voice on TV doing Malgue, Peter Gordon, you know, commentary with SuperSport, but what have you been up to, and how are you coping during the pandemic? “I remember so many injuries, we had like 13 Stanton Fredericks: It’s been rough. It’s been difficult for everybody. guys on the bench in the But you know, I think the highlight final and ja, for me is that, in the midst of a pandemic, you just realise, and it almost had to go play might sound selfish, but how blessed striker (laughs), because you are. You know, just to provide we didn’t have enough shelter, and food and love for your family. You know, it’s so often that players. But eventually we just take everything for granted, we managed to win, Rob, and in that moment, you start actually, they brought trying to assist wherever else, I started a foundation with a friend me down in in the box, of mine, a German ex player, I met and we got a penalty and this gentleman through Bradley Carnell. The gentleman’s name is Lutz Patrick Mabedi scored Pfannenstiel. And then we formed a that penalty, so that’s a foundation and in the midst of the fond memory for me.” pandemic, we were able to assist in different spaces. And I think for me, that was really the blessing that has come of this. guys like that. They don’t welcome you very easily into that setup, you RD: Let’s go back three decades, got to work, you got to show that young Stanton in Joburg, that must there’s more to Stiga than just being have been an exciting time for a good with the ball, you know, so that young kid in South Africa aspiring was a big learning curve. Because to be a professional, Bafana back you can’t just go in there and start in the international fold, winning dribbling and not work when you the Afcon, how much did things don’t have the ball. (Laughs) I tell like that inspire you? you what, my first session with the first team, I got a blood mouth from SF: I tell you what, Rob, like honestly, Gordon Ewen, because I nutmegged it was never my goal to say I want to him and is it went through, he just become a professional footballer, gave me the elbow. And it loosened I love the game, that was it. And one of my teeth and the blood just whenever given a chance to play, started pouring. So that’s what I I would. Remember I come from a came into. And if you shy away and single parent, so the discipline was you’re scared, you never become a very high, and accountability, very professional footballer. high. It was go finish your school, finish your school, you playing RD: From Wits you get your first soccer, but the minute the grades taste of international club football drop, no more soccer, so it was in Switzerland with Grasshoppers… very rigid in that way, which is a

PAGE 12 the minute I signed for FC Moscow, I’ve don that jersey. I’ve stood in the down to the development. And I “The last game was against Kaizer Chiefs, I literally killed the internet just makes the world lineup with the national anthem has used to shadow him. And I almost fell them in that game, and that is when I went to Chiefs. so much smaller, but back then, played, and you realise that your into the coaching side, because he there was very little and the world boyhood dream has been realised, encouraged me, he says, go on this Having said that, you know that Chiefs is a big team back then you couldn’t keep tabs, you know, and why I came back to coaching course, go on that coaching from afar, but when you sign for Chiefs, that’s when you it was he says, she says, if you have Pirates is because it was the 2006 course, learn the game. So I almost realise how big the team is.” my number, you can find out how World Cup, and I really wanted to went into the coaching. But because I played you know, so it was so play in a World Cup for Bafana, that of my business interests, I then different then and unfortunately, is the decision why I came back. decided okay, this is not going to be SF: That was just brilliant for me the last time we played, they gave us when I signed for Russia, that was And I tried to come back to Pirates, for me right now. Let me move on to and there’s so many moments in my 4-1 and he just asked me about the the end of my Bafana Bafana career. play a few games, and then qualify that. And I got an opportunity to work career where I felt, I want to say luck, memories, and the atmosphere, and Which was kind of difficult for me for the national team to play in the for eNCA, and that led to working but its’ not luck, you know. If you look it’s certainly up there with one of the to accept at the time, because I was World Cup. Unfortunately, we never for SuperSport, and that is how it back in hindsight, and the older you best games I’ve ever played. Because a regular for Bafana for at least qualified for 2006. How’s that for eventually fell in. So coaching for me are, the clearer the picture is. If Wits we we won the Mandela Cup. And three years before going. Whenever making your own plans, you know? at a high level, no, because there’s negotiated a deal for me back then, that gave us an opportunity to play I played for Chiefs, I was in the (Laughs) You talk about playing in no shortcut to coaching. You can’t you know, I think the path would the Super Cup against Al Ahly and Greece. And I mentioned earlier that play the game, I need to go here, you have been so much different. But back then the winners would then go there’s challenges, and you grow as need to pay your dues, you need to because of that stint I think that kind to the World Cup Champs, you know. a player, and you learn from your coach at the junior level, you need to of prepared me for all the challenges So when you talk about history, it’s mistakes, and you understand how do your badges. So coaching courses, later on in my career. The challenges something that we really shared with to adapt with diversity and change. yes, so in terms of coaching, I would when West Ham knocked on your the team, proud to be a member of “Orlando Pirates And then I go to Greece, and now always accredit it myself. But in terms door, and the deal doesn’t happen, that winning team. But it was a team I become this experienced player of taking a team, that’s not a route, you know? How do you bounce back? that had 13 members, because then always had the that has tasted European football, I’m going to take. Because there’s so many players that you could only register players at a that has played at the highest level. when one thing goes wrong, it derails certain time. , And I remember so appetite. Because And now you need to continue this RD: Just back to present day, how you and you never really get to have many injuries, we had like 13 guys journey and find the fire that you nostalgic does this little period a full football career, you know, so on the bench in the final and ja, they done well, they once lost. And I also touched on make you, not just with Chiefs that was amazing for me. At the time, Brian Baloyi almost had to go play tasted it. And for having a full career. There’s so many making next week’s CAF Final, Grasshoppers was number one or striker (laughs), because we didn’t great players that don’t manage that, and it being Al Ahly, but also the number two in Switzerland. So the have enough players. But eventually them, it was always you know, and you need to now tap Olympic Games around the corner? level was so high, and I really enjoyed we managed to win, actually, they into yourself and say, okay, I need And I mean, we didn’t touch on it. And it was a massive, massive brought me down in in the box, and part of our goals. to find the fire, the fight, the need that, but you’re an Olympian. You learning curve for me. we got a penalty and Patrick Mabedi to want to play at the highest level. know, not many people can say I’m scored that penalty, so that’s a fond It wasn’t the goal. And fortunately, because I played in an Olympian. RD: And then you return to South memory for me. It was part of our Europe, now I become a player that is Africa, and soon join Kaizer Chiefs, well rounded. I know how to keep it SF: Wow. Ja, you know what’s as a Joburg boy, that must have RD: Seeing Chiefs in the CAFCL goals. For Chiefs it simple. I know when to use my flair. so nostalgic for me every time I been a special move. final next week, twenty years I know that in Europe, I am a smaller commentate, and then you go down later, must be special. But are you wasn’t, and it was player. So I know that I can’t hold on to the field. And then you smell the SF: Ja, that was massive, because, surprised it has taken that long? to the ball much longer. So I take all grass. And then you see the players you know, going to Grasshoppers never. Sundowns of that. And I go to Greece, and I sign trying to focus, having the pitch and coming back to Wits, it was SF: It’s a touchy subject, you know, I has come in there, six months with a team. And in that walk. And that for me, is always very difficult to adapt, you know. I think that when you look at the a like six months, I’ve never been known nostalgic. And that’s why I love it. won’t use the words, ‘big headed’, Kaizer Chiefs... So just to answer your and credit to Pitso for my goal scoring prowesses, but I And yes, there’s offseason and you’re I would say you just want more, question, I think it is a surprise. I am score like 10 goals for my team. And watching all this good football. And when you’re exposed to so much, surprised, because the Chiefs I left Mosimane, he made everybody else comes knocking. And it’s 20 years last year since we were when you’re exposed to that is a team that was always evolving. now they want to take me away from at the Olympics. Can you believe level of professionalism. Because A team that was always ahead of that his priority.” FC Pierikos, and this is where you’re that? 20 years since the first South remember at Wits then, it was part times. They had a vision, and they now thinking that okay, if I move African football team participated time professional, you know, you went after it. But it’s no secret that to Panathinaikos or PAOK or AEK in the Olympics. And it’s definitely have Roan Malgue that has his own Africa was never a priority for them, Athens, that’s knocking on the door, always nostalgic. And it just gives business and he comes and trains you know, and at the same point I might just get sniff at 2010 World you an opportunity to reflect back in the evening. There’s no full time Africa was never a priority for any national team. And you’re in the Cup. Because you’re playing the best and enjoy the moments that you’ve professionals. Now I went from being South African football team. Orlando national team, but you’re part of football that you’ve ever played. experienced. And just understanding part of a semi professional setup. Pirates always had the appetite. three or four local based players and But nobody back home sees it, all that and looking at these players, and and next playing with Stéphane Because they done well, they tasted everybody else is playing in Europe. they can remember is the Stiga that you don’t understand the opportunity Chapuisat, that was the player of the it. And for them, it was always part So the hunger and the thirst to play played for Chiefs. And this is when you having right now. An opportunity year in the Bundesliga, you know, of our goals. It wasn’t the goal. It in Europe, it kind of guarantees you maturity kicks in, Rob, and you decide that will change your life forever. so how do you come back? How do was part of our goals. For Chiefs it selection for Bafana. No matter what, okay, what do I need for Stiga? I don’t Having the opportunity to play on the you change that? And then I never wasn’t, and it was never. Sundowns and how you’re doing it your club, need South Africa to know how am world stage, at the Olympics. Ja, it is forget, it was a very challenging three has come in there, and credit to you will be called up for Bafana. And I doing. I don’t need my friends, I just mind blowing. months, where I needed to now Pitso Mosimane, he made that his the minute you sign in Russia, you don’t need the fans, I need to prove decide, okay, where do you go to? priority. And now, the rest of South never get called up! So it was a bit things to myself. And I need to look RD: My final one, with the Chiefs You need to start playing, you need African football teams are saying, of a puzzling fact there for me. So at my family. And I’m happy here, situation. what has surprised to focus, you need to give your all, okay, this is what we need to do, to that was unfortunate. But I would I’m playing the best football of my you more this year, Chiefs’ you haven’t made it, you know, it’s achieve that continental and that never ever change it for anything. career. I don’t need to chase money, historical run to the final, or their not an overnight success. And then global acknowledgement. But why My experience in Russia was, I think I don’t want to chase money, I don’t disappointing league form? I’ll never forget, I had to pull up my Chiefs never needed it, is because it moulded me as a man.You need need recognition, I need to make a socks and do what I knew what I Chiefs has a global brand without to adapt once again, you need to decision for myself, and this is where SF: Ja. It just doesn’t make sense. I can do when coming back to Wits. winning a Champions League. You learn another language, you need you make those decisions ,as a man, honestly have to say that when Gavin And then I had a brilliant end to the know, I went to Europe, signed in to take on another new culture. I and you say okay, I’m happy here, I’m Hunt is coaching a team in the CAF season, the last game was against Russia, and then you walk into a think footballing wise, it could have playing good football. I’m extending Champions League, you always give Kaizer Chiefs, I literally killed them in store in Paris, I’ll never forget, and been much better if I stayed a bit my stay here. These people really see them a chance, no matter what their that game, and that is when I went then Chiefs has a range of apparel, longer. But my thirst for international value in me, and I want to stay here league form is. Gavin Hunt is a serial to Chiefs. Having said that, you know internationally, you know. So they football, and me not playing for and play longer. winner. And he knows how to win that Chiefs is a big team from afar, didn’t need to win something to be the national team kind of took my and win ugly, if need be. And that’s but when you sign for Chiefs, that’s internationally globally recognised. I’ll attention away from really, really RD: And after three good seasons, what’s needed in the CAF Champions when you realise how big the team never forget walking into Nike Town being a household name in Russian you return back to Wits to call a League, even Pitso Mosimane, he will is. I think two, three months in it, I at the Olympics, myself and Brian football. Man, that is why I never close on your career, where you say no, we’re playing for the result. realised that, listen, this is as good Baloyi, we were invited, because we stayed there longer, even though I retire and later also do some You know, it’s not necessarily good as any way in the world. Everything were sponsored athletes then, and was offered a new contract. coaching. And then of course TV football that’s going to take you to is set up for you, all you need to the people at Nike saying, oh, we came along too. Is that part of the finals of the CAF Champions do is go out to the field, and do the signed your guys up, when they say RD: So that’s when you came back your future? Pundit or coach, or League. It’s playing ugly and getting business. And the rest is history. And you guys they mean Kaizer Chiefs, to Pirates, then Supersport before both? the result. And that is what Gavin the opportunities will come again, we will be sponsoring you in 2002 or going back to Europe. But still just Hunt can do very well. So for me, it you know, and very soon I realised 2003, something like that, you know, the 14 caps for Bafana. It didn’t SF: Well, I kind of fell into punditry. wasn’t a surprise. But having said that I have an opportunity here to so back then they were globally, make complete sense, because You know, when you’re deciding to that, I knew that losing the league really arrive and announce myself and they didn’t need this success when you go to Greece, isn’t that to hang up your boots, you don’t on the last day is going to have its in South African football, and you’re continentally. Unfortunately, times arguably the best spell of your know where you’re going to. And effects. I didn’t know it would be that part of history. So how you going have changed, you now need it more career? when I was at Wits, I was fortunate bad on Kaizer Chiefs, because losing to fare at this club is gonna dictate than ever, more than ever. enough to be coached by a friend it to Baroka, and after leading the the rest of your life. And I think I can SF: And not a lot of people will and mentor, which is Roger De league with 13 points, it definitely has proudly say that I’ve contributed to RD: You mentioned it there, your know that, not a lot of people will Sa. And with Roger De Sa comes a psychological effect. And it lasted the team’s success, while I was there, second sojourn into Europe is know that. Ja, so the 14 caps was , somebody that loves, longer than I assumed it would in and it was just a blessing and an in Russia, at a FK Moskva. What the league, because those players, opportunity that I will never forget. was it like in Russia back then? the disappointment that you endure, Because I mean, there were a few not every fan will understand that. RD: And of course that was also South Africans there back then, “Gavin Hunt is a serial winner. And he knows how to win And I think that really played its during the time, Chiefs win their and to be to be fair, you guys also and win ugly, if need be. And that’s what’s needed in the cause in the league form for Chiefs, first continental football. What got lost a bit in the wilderness, CAF Champions League, even Pitso Mosimane, he will say surprisingly so, it had a massive can you remember about that CAF we kind of forgot about you back impact. So for that, I was very, very African Cup Winners Cup run? home, or at least the national no, we’re playing for the result.” surprised. team seemed to. SF: Can you believe it that actually a probably another 14 on the bench, and is so passionate, and so hard RD: Stiga, thanks so much man! journalist from from Egypt contacted SF: Unfortunately, times have not coming on. It’s Muhsin Ertugral working with the game that it’s just me, I think last week, and he asked changed. So Rob Delport would that always says you should have at contagious. So Eric would get there in SF: An absolute pleasure Rob, any me about this game because Chiefs have known how much minutes I’ve least that 70 caps for Bafana. But for the morning and leave in the evening, time. is now playing against Al Ahly, and played, how much goals I scored, me, I’m just proud to have said that he’d coach the first team, then go

PAGE 13 Farouk Khan Chiefs Mustn’t Give Too Much Respect To Pitso And Al Ahly

Farouk Khan is well-known Farouk Khan: Well, I have a very all have African roots. And I think So this is what we call cup football. don’t have a chance’. I think they in the South African close relationship with the Brazilian because of that similarity from a In cup football even an underdog have a great chance. I think, it’s cup football fraternity and football association and as far as the genetical perspective and everything could come in and surprise and it is football, they could get a Nurkovic many Kaizer Chiefs fans academy is concerned, you know. My else, that is why I go to Brazil just to exactly what what chiefs have done. I goal, a long ball over the top and they late mentor Professor Espizem Neto get insight into what they are doing mean they weren’t that good in local could sit back like they did against still remember him on the in conjunction with Carlos Alberto lately. And obviously, you know, league but when it came to CAF they Wydad. Although I don’t know, if it is sidelines next to Muhsin Pereira and many, many other top the other thing is, if you look at the did well and it is just poetic justice gonna be second time lucky, because Ertugral and . Brazilian experts form what is called Champions League, every of the top that when Wydad played Chiefs they didn’t both legs against Wydad. The owner of the Stars the Brazilian Football Academy, teams in the world have three or four of Africa academy was which I studied with myself and Brazilians in a match. So obviously, assistant to Ertugral when Cavin Johnson, Sam Mbatha, Junaid that says something about the I think based on what they could give back, Bernard is a leader, Chiefs won the African Cup Mall, Zipho Dlangalala A number development and I’m very passionate Khune is a leader, and based on the fact that he played in the Winners’ Cup in 2001. In of our South African guys went about development and I think we Champions League, they didn’t want to just get rid of all those they, we were the first to go there can aspire to reach their levels of this exclusive interview players. They haven’t signed long term contracts with them, if in 1992. And subsequently Boebie exporting the best talent and then I’m not mistaken, they signed a year. with David Kappel, Khan Solomons went with me as well on obviously, enriching our national recalls the heroics of the one occasion, so we have any close teams and that is what has been the 2001 generation, advises link with the academy and I often go successful result. in the second group stage match, But this Al Ahly team is different, they Chiefs how they should down to catch up because I think as they sent their assistant coach, they could take on any team in Africa and approach Saturday’s CAF a third world country, we got a lot DK: Your trip was around the time sent a lot of their reserve players come up with a positive result. I just Champions League final to learn from them. Sometimes you of Kaizer Chiefs’ semi-final first-leg because they already went through think they are too good for for the against Al Ahly, talks go to Europe, European standards at Wydad Casablanca. Did you still and not realizing that this team that African continent. They they’re very are different. They have all the all manage to watch the game? What they were throwing a lifeline could confident in Pitso and in his technical Stuart Baxter, Arthur the facilities and the infrastructure did you make of the performance come back to bite them and that’s team. They have done a good job to Zwane, and everything. They’re not really of your former side over the two exactly what happened. So yeah, continue where the other coach left and much more. He also as dependent economically as legs? this is knockout football. You don’t off because the other coach, people reveals that the South American and African take anything for granted. I mean, forget about the other coach, he left wanted him as Bafana countries. And I see a great similarity FK: We could only watch a little bit of everybody’s saying now ‘No, they a great foundation similarly to what Bafana assistant and why in our culture, our music, our food, whatever was happening but I was he won’t get the Technical and everything else, in line with on Twitter so I was keeping up to Director role at SAFA… what’s happening in Brazil. There is date. What I did see, however, was a very great similarity between the obviously from a statistical point You see in football sometimes we have a tendency to countries. As you know, historically, of view, I saw the fact that Wydad David Kappel: Good day Farouk, judge people on short term achievements. And that’s a a lot of Africans were taken to had the lion’s share of possession, how are you? Thanks for taking Brazil. And as a consequence, they which was expected in both legs. I big mistake. I think this is going to put undue pressure your time to chat to iDiski Times. I have enriched that football culture think Wydad left the shooting boats on Arthur. I think for what he has achieved in the short saw you recently visited Brazil, you otherwise it would just basically be behind. But in all fairness we’ve got a shared a picture at Botafogo. What term, let’s applaud it. But we’ll only know how good Portugal playing and because of compliment Chiefs for the way they was that trip all about? Africa’s influence the likes of Pele, defended, especially the keepers Arthur is, once he’s at the reins for a season or two. Ronaldo (Nazario), Ronaldinho, they were outstanding during both legs.

PAGE 14 Gavin did. I mean Gavin basically experience as a coach, he hit the about skill and technique and samba took this team to the semifinals, and ground running. And as I said, but no their analysis was ahead of This is knockout football. You don’t take anything for granted. I then obviously got fired. So a lot of everything fell into place. You see even European clubs. So you got to mean, everybody’s saying now ‘No, Chiefs don’t have a chance’. credit must go to him as well for what in football sometimes we have a ensure that you are bringing the right I think they have a great chance. I think, it’s cup football, they he’s done. I mean, sometimes people tendency to judge people on short people. I think they brought in Ntseki forget his contribution. term achievements. And that’s a big based on the fact that he’s dealt with could get a Nurkovic goal, a long ball over the top and they mistake. I think this is going to put national team players, obviously. could sit back like they did against Wydad. DK: They will face another South undue pressure on Arthur. I think for We’ll have to wait and see how good African in the final, with Pitso what he has achieved in the short he is in developing national team Shoes Moshoeu was phenomenal in record, why aren’t you involved?’ Mosimane. Do you think it is an term, let’s applaud it. But we’ll only players, if you get what I’m saying. bridging the gap between players and And I say to them, ‘don’t ask me, advantage to face a coach that know how good Arthur is, once he’s There’s a huge difference between technical stuff. He was so important, ask SAFA’. SAFA has a problem with they know from the PSL? at the reins for a season or two. coaching them at national team level both to Muhsin and to Ted when the way I speak, what I say and do. You know, I was an assistant with and developing them. So he hasn’t I assisted both of them, because I was on the technical committee Muhsin and when Muhsin left Chiefs had that amount of experience as far obviously, as you know, I won a lot of and I never ever held my mouth I became a coach. And I can tell you, as developing players. So he’s gonna cups with both Muhsin and with Ted closed. And then I wasn’t too popular it’s two totally different scenarios have to learn on the job. As far as Dumitru. with them. But they obviously just If you say our completely. You can’t equate the Baxter is concerned, we know what tolerated me at the time. And then development is poor in two. When you are in the hot seat, we’re going to expect from him as a DK: The transfer window is open eventually, I said publicly, I can’t the country, then you it’s a totally different place. The coach, who plays a certain way. And and Chiefs ban is over. Which go to technical meetings when players look at you differently than a coach who has had some success players would you love the club to we discuss things that never get become an enemy of the they would if you were an assistant with Chiefs. So we’ll have to wait and sign? implemented. I mean, the whole state. People often ask or a standin coach. And with all due see if he can connect continue from country can see that we talk a big me ‘Farouk, with your respect, I think you know when Gavin where he left off. A breath of fresh FK: I think it’s about availability. game, but our development system, was fired, it just fell into place for air is Kaizer Jr. Simply because he If you look at the fact that there’s our development, is at that level is experience, with your Arthur and Dillon. The players just understands the culture of Chiefs. I obviously players they earmarked… secondary. I mean, we obviously rave knowledge, with your raised their their level, they were so had him as junior, as young as 16, in I think they player that played in about this new generation going into motivated after the change. They the academy and he played for me Russia or somewhere, Tercious Olympics. We’ll have to wait and see track record, why aren’t themselves gave Chiefs a new lease in the interprovincial. He is a very Malepe, I think he could have been how well they do the Olympics, to be you involved?’ And I say of life. coachable person, he doesn’t throw a wonderful signing because of his a to be honest to ourselves and say, to them, ‘don’t ask me, around the Chiefs name, he doesn’t aggression and the way he plays, but are we ready to take on the world DK: What would be your advise to allow that to disrespect people. He it seems like AmazZulu has beaten because we play Japan, we playing ask SAFA’. SAFA has a Chiefs, how they should approach is very polite, very coachable, always them to that particular player. I think France, and I think was in Mexico. problem with the way I the CAF CL final? respects either old and young. up front, they are covered with the So those will be a good indication speak, what I say and do. And I think that’s important from a likes of Nurkovic and young Ngcobo of where we really are. When our FK: Well they should ensure that they leadership perspective. I think there’s and some of the other boys that teams go to these competitions, they don’t give too much respect to Al been a huge boost. And I think, they have. But you know, you’re come back. We applaud the fact that Ahly. They should take the game to Al obviously, he needs to ensure that you’re always going to look to have they’ve gone to the competition. They FK: Well, I think it’s a different ball Ahly. They should play a game where the mandate is carried out because a goalscorer of high quality. But I get knocked out in the first time, but game altogether. This is cup football, they don’t give Al Ahly the space the mandate is to produce our own don’t think there’s too many in the we never do a proper introspection it’s got nothing to do with the Premier and time because this is a team that homegrown talent. Introduce that local league available. I think what Soccer League. Pitso has been here, requires lots of space and time to homegrown talent to the first team they have is sufficient for now. And DK: How proud does it make you he’s gone for almost two seasons. It’s settle down. If you if you ruffle their that is why always maintain the feel to see former Stars of Africa a different team. And as Pitso rightly feathers, if you don’t allow them time will that you should develop your players such as Luther Singh being pointed out, Chiefs on the day, you on the ball, they become a little bit They should take the own key players in your academy. included in the Olympics squad? don’t know what you’re going to get, temperamental, because of their ego. game to Al Ahly. They Those players that I’m talking about, the are very unpredictable. I think They are the Club of the Century, the Messis, the Xavis, the Iniestas, FK: Thabo Cele is another one. I know it’s not easy to call it. Having known they have a coach, who has won this should play a game the Busquets. You have to do that the Academy in is claiming South African football, Pitso has a bit cup before. So the pressure will be where they don’t give Al yourself because you never gonna be him, but he started with Stars of of an advantage. But I think even if on them more than on Chiefs, they Ahly the space. If you if able to just find them and buy them. Africa. I’m very proud, proud for both there was a coach from North Africa, are expected to win this cup. So that It’s very seldom that you can go to of these boys. I think these boys have he would have stood a very good is why you got to play the mental you ruffle their feathers, the market and get those players proven beyond a doubt that they chance of competing because it’s a game, you got to take the game if you don’t allow them just very easily, you’ll be lucky to get come from good upbringing. I think final. And you know, in the final it’s to them, you got to unravel their one or two. So I think that is where a player like Thabang Phete should about the team on the day that is game plan, you got to ensure that time on the ball, they the development program comes have been there as well, having done switched on, the team that is able to you you punish them on set plays. become a little bit into play. That they got to find a so well in Portugal, he could have take their chances and in a team that You’ve got to play the percentages, temperamental, because solution formula on producing the been one of the overaged players. has the pedigree and the experience. you need to know exactly how to special players. And that in itself But I mean, again, the selection that Both of these teams have proven defend when to defend and where of their ego. They are for me is not easy. You know, it’s we’ve seen in the past is questionable beyond the doubt to have a very rich to defend. These are tactics that the Club of the Century, something that I’ve learned over all in most cases, and it’s no fault of history in cup competition. It doesn’t obviously the coaching staff with they have a coach, who the years that I’ve been involved. It’s David. I think David is obviously being mean that Chiefs haven’t won a cup Baxter now they will have to come up a science, it’s also a talent. It’s also told exactly what he needs to do. I in six years that they don’t have that with. They know the players better, has won this cup before. based on years of experience. To think I’ve done fairly well with those experience. I just think they haven’t they know the mental state of the So the pressure will be develop those special players. You players but I think there is room for been at their best in this last six players. They know how motivated know, may May Mahlangus, Tokelo improvement. I think we should stop seasons. On the day, they were not they are. Look motivation in a final I on them more than on Ranties, those are special players patting ourselves on the back and good enough. think is overrated because the final Chiefs. that can play anywhere, in Europe. saying how great the players are that itself is a motivation, playing for Currently, we have a player by name we develop. The minute Luther and DK: Back in 2001, you were a trophy is motivation. Promising of and he’s struggling to so on are playing in the LaLiga of assistant of Muhsin Ertugral when them monies and pampering them is like I did. When I was there with make it in England. So it just says a this world, then we can start patting Chiefs won African Cup Winner’s not the secret. The secret is getting Muhsin, I promoted the biggest lot about our development. We’re not ourselves on the back but we often Cup. What comes to mind when them prepared for every eventuality number of talent from the academy producing the special players and we applaud mediocrity and I’m not you think of that success? looking at the small details, attention and most of them were successful. are in denial. We don’t want to admit saying Luther, etc are mediocre, I to small details, looking at the So that is the yardstick, that is the bar that we need to do that. We want think they are very good players. FK: Yeah, that was a huge, huge opposition under a microscope and that I set for him now to ensure that people to sugarcoat and say no, they win, because I tell you why. Because saying how do we stop certain key it is either eclipsed or equal. are good enough. Yes, good enough DK: How are things going at we didn’t have a team. Remember, players from getting the service, for our league but good enough for Stars of Africa? Can we expect we couldn’t sign players like Kenny from ensuring that we starve them of DK: The future of the likes of the ? No. to see any other players make a Niemach and all those names service? Itumeleng Khune still seems breakthrough into professional because they came past the window. uncertain. Would you keep players DK: Your former head coach football in future? So we couldn’t sign them. And it DK: The club has rung the changes, like him and at the Muhsin Ertugal recently told left us with a very skeletal team. I Stuart Baxter, Molefi Ntseki and club? iDiski Times that he could see FK: Stars is very excited. We have a mean, we had on Jr. all joined you as Technical Director of SAFA crop of players from nine years old the bench who was finishing his recently. Do you think it’s a step in FK: I think based on what they could and you speak a lot about player to 15 that is so, so exciting. I mean, I career. I think we had three subs, the right direction? give back, Bernard is a leader, Khune development. Were you ever watched them and I marvel at them including Doctor on the bench. And is a leader, and based on the fact that approached for the vacant role daily. We seem to be getting into it we managed to go to the final and FK: Well, definitely. I think it’s he played in the Champions League, and is it something you would that age group. The older boys, yes people think it was easy. But we something that has to be done with they didn’t want to just get rid of all consider? we have a few good ones. We have played some top teams like Ismalia, modern day football. Gone are the those players. They haven’t signed the captain of the U17 team, we’ve in the final we played the team from days where you have… Like in the long term contracts with them, if I’m FK: If the country calls, I would. got a few, a handful of exceptional Angola. So it wasn’t as easy as people old days, I remember not mistaken, they signed a year. A But unfortunately, if you are an talent is coming through. I realize may see. It was a quite difficult one, used to coach the play-ers, the shortterm contract is basically just to outspoken, an outspoken proponent, now these plays are going to actually you know, but we managed to do infield players, he used to coach the ensure that they use those players you become blacklisted. I don’t know exceed the Luther Singhs. These well in the end. You know, it was a goalkeepers. He was also in charge to lay a very good foundation for the if you realize that the national coach boys are going to be better than the historic win for us. of certain adminis-trative things. So ones coming in. You know, it’s always (Hugo Broos) wanted me to assist Luther Singhs of this world. And I’m it was a case in those days where good to have players who have been him. But when he brought my name so over the moon. The only challenge DK: Arthur Zwane was a player you could have one person with there for a while, just to prepare forward, he was told that I have an I have is I don’t have a sponsorship. of Chiefs back then, now he is on an assistant running a club. These the new ones on what the do’s and academy, and that I have players But God willing, God is my sponsor, the sidelines. How do you rate his days you can’t, because there’s so the don’ts are. I think I experienced in Europe. So I don’t know what and he’s helped me to produce performances as coach so far? much that goes into it. As far as when I was at Chiefs when I brought it’s about is that got to do with my this place. If I have a sponsorship, the mod-ern game is concerned, in quite a number of players, we still coaching credentials. And that is why I promise you, I will produce the FK: Arthur was a player that then. you look at your analysts. You need kept the likes of double Thabo Mooki, I wasn’t offered the position. And at next generation of of Bafana players He was one of those dedicated the best analysts to have a great Dr. Kumalo and quite a few other the end of the day, you know, it’s not because with the time I have on my players, one of the best players to un-derstanding of football itself, not players just to make sure that they going to change because people want side, I will produce players who are coach at the time, a very coachable just stating the obvious. I remember, are able to implant that experience. you to sing from the same sheet. If now 12 and 13 in the next five or six guy, always doing extra. So I’m when I went down to Brazil in 1992, And a great example was John ‘Shoes’ you say our development is poor in years that will be out of this world. very glad that he’s now being part Brazil, at that time were ahead of the Moshoeu. He was so phenomenal the country, then you become an of this historic final that’s going to time as far as analysis is concerned. in ensuring that we did well. We enemy of the state. People often ask DK: Wow, amazing. We have to take place. I think, based on the Because you won’t believe me, but always talked about Muhsin and me ‘Farouk, with your experience, leave it there for now until our fact that he hasn’t had that much people always thought Brazil was all what Muhsin did. But I think your with your knowledge, with your track next chat. Thanks Farouk.

PAGE 15 Arthur Zwane

NobodyiDiski Times senior the game is gonna be at the neutralBelieved in into the group stages for the to plan thoroughly, and it worked In results at home, Us but that was actually writer Velile Mnyandu venue, compared to that time, so I first time, very few believed that for us. As much as we know that preparing us for this journey. And caught up with Kaizer think that will also play a role. You can be achieved. Quarter-finals nobody believed in us because of not here we are in the final now. And Chiefs assistant coach know, in our player’s minds, and it was the same, semi-final it was accumulating points in our domestic it’s a different ballgame altogether. also us, as technical members of the same. Is this something that league. And we were judged based It’s anybody’s game. And yes, we Arthur Zwane as the the team, the game favours no one, is driving the team, upsetting on that. But that was not the reality, still underdogs. But we know that team prepares to head to except for those who will give their especially, not just any champions, for the fact that playing at home had anything is possible. If you’re going Morocco where they will best and convert their chances on but record nine times champions its own dynamics, playing in Africa to put 11 players on the field, we’ll face defending champions the day of the game. Al Ahly in the CAF “Seeing these guys who Champions League final VM: And, interestingly, you’re are looking forward on Saturday. Zwane, who returning to the venue where you was a player the last time also beat Wydad, psychologically, to participate in one does that play a part? Chiefs had continental of the biggest games in the continent, it’s success, talks about how AZ: Big time Bra V, I have not football has progressed mentioned that in your earlier pleasing. And with so since those days, and also question, but when you look at it, as much energy, a higher how special it will be to I said, when we played them in the level of concentration, face countryman Pitso Super Cup, we were playing away, focus as well, it gives one to them, they were hosting us, and Mosimane on the opposing goosebumps and you begin bench… the situation, just, you know having their supporters, it was always gonna to ask yourself questions, be in their favour, playing in their Velile Mnyandu: Okay, coach, what is actually happening? home ground that they knew very maybe if you can just give us so And this is what Kaizer well. And that time we only had far how you’ve been working. maybe 45 minutes to get a feel of the Chiefs is all about, it has It’s almost that big day. It’s been field. And that was not good enough always been a team that coming, loads of good work that for us, you know, to prepare well has been done over the past wins trophies, and we’re for that game. And, as I said, again, few months. How is it finally happy to be in this situation that we didn’t know what to expect, looking forward to the big day in but we knew that we were playing that we’re in now, and we Casablanca on Saturday? against one of the best teams in the embrace it.” continent, but this time is gonna Arthur Zwane: Ja, so far, so good, be a different ballgame. Because Bra V, everyone is positive, everyone we are playing in neutral venue, we do the same and just compete for is looking forward to the final. And played there before. We know the the fact that we’re good enough to the guys are also responding, you size of the field, we know we know compete at this level, for the fact that know, very well, with the hope that the surface as well. So it’s gonna be we’re in the final says a lot about us. we will get it right. And nothing much a 50/50 situation. So it boils down to to say, but seeing these guys, who one thing, who is going to take the VM: Also, I think it’s very rare, and are looking forward to participate chances that’s going to be created I don’t know even the records of in one of the biggest games in the on the day of the game, and if you CAF, they can talk about this. Two continent, it’s pleasing. And with take your chances, the situation will sons of Soweto sitting on opposite so much energy, a higher level of favour you. But we know that we’re sides of the bench. It’s more than concentration, focus as well, it gives playing against a good team. So I just for yourself coming up against one goosebumps and you begin think the boys, that’s one element Pitso in the final. to ask yourself questions, what that gives us hope and belief that is actually happening? And this is we’re on the right track, for the fact AZ: There’s a lot in common with what Kaizer Chiefs is all about, it that we’re playing in a neutral venue, Jomo Cosmos, Orlando Pirates. has always been a team that wins and this time around, there will be no Soweto, Kagiso, I know that coach trophies, and we’re happy to be in supporters as well, you know. So that Pitso also comes from Kagiso, I this situation that we’re in now, and might also play in our advantage. don’t know whether his father or we embrace it. And ja, it’s been very, his mother comes from Kagiso. So very difficult journey for us. VM: The last time, when you I was also like, at some point, living played the second leg of the semi- in Kagiso, because my aunt lives VM: And also, when you look at final, you had a number of players there, so I was staying there for some yourself, if we were to go back, out with serious injuries as well, time, about four to five years. You you are a member of the Kaizer how’s the player availability, this know, I still go to Kagiso because I Chiefs team that last played time? have a lot of friends that side. So against Al Ahly, let’s go back to ja, we have a lot in common, and that CAF Super Cup, how would AZ: We’re almost in the same also being assistant coaches in the you describe it? situation, Bra V, until maybe the last national team, and obviously after day, the selection, because at the that coach Pitso took over as head AZ: I think that time, we were more moment, we don’t know who’s gonna coach, so there’s a there’s a lot in on a learning curve as a team, playing be available, who’s not gonna be common. I have so much respect against them in their backyard, for him, he’s a big man. He has done ARTHUR ZWANE us proud as a country, very, he has “I have so much respect for him, he’s a big man. He has done us proud Kaizer Chiefs Assistant Coach done well for himself, for the country as a country, very, he has done well for himself, for the country as well, as well, representing us in Egypt and representing us in Egypt and represented us very well. But now we are represented us very well. But now we going to lock horns against each other. That’s the game of football. are going to lock horns against each That’s the nature of this game.” other. That’s the game of football. That’s the nature of this game. It unites people in a positive way, available. Knowing the dynamics of is something that can be achieved? also had its own dynamics. So we brings people together. Yes. So as obviously gave them the advantage the pandemic, we still have to travel, were all at a disadvantage at some you know, the best team will win on that time and also you didn’t know so as long as we’re still preparing AZ: You know everything has a point, because teams had to come the day. And yes, we are hoping that what to expect that time compared anything can happen at any given reason. There was definitely a lot to us, we had to go to them. So, yes, we can win for us, for the country, for to now, the game now has evolved. time. But with the hope, praying as of doubts in the beginning, but people, for the fact that we’re not our supporters, for the chairman and We know what we are going to come well, that we have almost everyone everyone now believes that, for the getting the desired results here at for everyone that is fully behind us against, we know the aggressiveness available for the big one. fact that we have made it this far, home, they thought no, we’re not and supporting us throughout thick and the tactical aspects that they that means there’s something right good enough to get to the semi- and thin. possess as a team, individually and VM: And the belief in the camp? that we’re doing, and you are not finals, or even to the quarter-finals. collectively as a team. So, ja, we And I can imagine that, because going to be in the final by fluke. If But some things they happen for a VM: Coach, good luck and all the know, it’s not gonna be an easy game when the team was trying to get you plan, at some point, we had reason, maybe we couldn’t get the best for the game. for us, but the good thing is that

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