Posted in News on Nov 16, 2011.
He was also at his best as the Glamour Boys continued its dominance in SA football winning the double in 1991. He spoke to kaizerchiefs.com about his fondest memories in the gold and black.
My transfer…
Late 1988 I had a problem with the then Sundowns Coach, Mario Tuani who accused me, Jazzy Queen Legodi and TV4 (Harris Cheou) for selling a game against Bush Bucks. We were sitting with this guy at our hotel the night before the game and we were accused of taking a bribe after losing the game.
I was very upset and told myself that I will never play for the team again. It was then that the Chairman (Kaizer Motaung) approached Sundowns for my services. It had always been my dream to play for Chiefs and I had trained with them back in 1983 but Orlando Pirates snatched my signature.
There was quality all around at Chiefs when I joined, the late Ace Ntsoelengoe himself, Doctor Khumalo, Fetsi Molatedi and many more. I told myself that I will have to work very hard to get a place in the team. I used to train on my own before joining the team for training, and training twice as hard worked for me.
My debut…
It was during the Iwisa Spectacular in a packed old FNB Stadium against my former team, Mamelodi Sundowns. Here I was coming up against my former mates, TV4, Rabbie Moripe. I did not play well though and I remember we won that game on penalties. I scored one of the penalties.
We played AmaZulu later on in the day and I had a super game. We won 2-1…after that game I never looked back!
My jersey…
I was handed jersey number 24! (Previously worn by Chairman, Kaizer Motaung) It was like a 12+12 (laughing). Ace was still playing and using the number 12 jersey. He wanted me to use the jersey and when he retired late 1989 - I was handed the jersey no. 12.
I went to Turkey in 1993. When I came back in 1998 I found Thabo Mooki using the number and I used no. 8.
My nickname…
ACE! I got the nickname at Orlando Stadium while I was still at Pirates. A Coach there by the name of Goldrick gave me the nickname ‘Magic’…then he called me, ‘Didi’ after the Brazilian midfielder but Ace just stuck.
I am always touched when I go to the stadium these days and hear the fans screaming ‘Aaaaaaaace’. Thank you for that.
My highlight…
It has to be the game against Swallows back in 1989. We needed to beat Swallows to win the league and the score was 3 all when we got a penalty. Everyone just went to the bench and I was left alone – it was a crucial penalty. I took it and beat Roger Da Sa. He had saved my penalty early in the season so it was a good feeling to score against him and most importantly we won the league title.
My roommate…
Doctor (Khumalo). We were quite close and got along on and off the field. If I had the ball, I would know that Doc is free somewhere. There was this telepathic understanding between us.
My favourite stadium…
Kings Park Stadium in Durban was my favourite. I always scored every time we played there. I also like Greenpoint Stadium (now Cape Town Stadium) in Cape Town – I do not remember having a bad game in that stadium.
The team I wanted to beat most…
It has to be Orlando Pirates.(smiling)
Toughest Opponent…
The OX Mahlangu from Moroka Swallows. He was a tough guy, very strong and fit. He would follow me the whole afternoon. He was a difficult customer and I relished clashes against Swallows because I would know he would follow me from the first minute. I would still manage to beat him though.
My favourite goal…
It was a good feeling to score against Orlando Pirates. The goal I scored in the Castle Challenge Final back in 1991 is the best. I remember that day Doctor playing on the right was on song skinning Shoes Leshozi the whole afternoon at FNB – great memories.
My favourite coach…
Jeff Butler! He liked playing 4-4-2 and he would partner me with Wellington Manyathi and sometimes Chippa. I played my best football under Jeff!
