Posted in News on Jan 28, 2009.
Kaizerchiefs.com took time to speak to U20 number 1 goalkeeper, Thela Ngobeni ahead of the crucial semi final clash against Black Meteors of Ghana.
Congratulations to you and your teammates for qualifying for the semi finals of African Youth Championships…
We are all very excited about qualifying for the semi finals and most importantly qualifying for the World Cup later this year. It was our dream when we started that we qualify for the last four in this tournament and make it to the U20 World Cup in Egypt.
You must have been very happy with wins against Ivory Coast and Nigeria in the group stages…
The win against Nigeria in particular was a memorable one. We have always struggled against Nigerian national teams at all levels beating them was sweeter. I think we also should thank God for all the strength He has given us so far in this tournament. There is a strong belief among us that we can go very far in this tournament but first we have to beat Ghana on Wednesday afternoon.
What do you attribute the success of the U20 to?
We are taking the opportunity to wear national team jersey very serious. We know that it is a lifetime opportunity and it might never come again. From first day we have been very committed to the cause. Thanks to the coach, Serame Letsoaka as well for allowing us to play our normal game. He believes in us, and that has rubbed off with everyone here. I strongly believe that if this team can be kept together for the U23 it will benefit the country. Some of the players here will even represent the country at Bafana Bafana level.
You are coming up against Ghana this afternoon…
It is a massive game for us. We are ready for Ghana but we are not overconfident. We have prepared well and we taking the game very seriously like our last three games. They are a good side and also very physical like Nigeria and Ivory Coast. We are going all out to beat Ghana.
Have the loss against Egypt last Sunday dampened the player’s spirits ahead of this crucial encounter?
The game against Egypt is water under the bridge; our focus is on Ghana now.
You have your teammates, Mandla Masango and Bongani Sondlane with you there…
It is nice to have my teammates here with me. Mandla has been doing so well that I worry if he is not going straight to Europe after the tournament (laughing). Seriously though, Mandla has been on top form. Shakes in the meantime have been working very hard to earn a place in the team. I am happy for the guys as they are both positive about the success of this team.
Have you’ve been following the results of the Glamour Boys back home?
Oh yes, I am Khosi 4 Life! In fact everyone here has been following closely at what is happening on their respective teams. We are obviously the happiest here having won three of our games and we are now challenging strongly for the Absa Premiership. I was talking to Thulani Serero the other day; he plays for Ajax and coming up against them this weekend. I believe we can beat them…I have confidence on the guys. Please send my regards to the Coaches, mentor Rainer Dinkelacker and to all my teammates.
* In other African Youth Championship finals, Nigeria meet their all time rivals Cameroon.
