‘The Jambo Jet’, as Jambo is affectionately known has settled well in Naturena after joining at the beginning of last season. Taking questions from the fans, Jambo speaks about his competition with fellow left-back, Punch Masenamela and how big is the Club back home in Zimbabwe.

What in your opinion is the difference between Zimbabwe and South Africa in terms of development of players and how are you finding South Africa as a second home?

Trevor Oliphant

Jimmy Jambo: Back home there is a lot of talent as you can see some of the players that have gone to do well here in South African and abroad. The challenge is the lack of facilities. On the other side, South Africa has the talent and the facilities. The businesses here are investing in the development of football.

South Africa is my second home! Even if I can get a move to Europe I will still have a house here. I love it here - the people are friendly. There is also a lot of attention in South Africa as a country after successfully hosting the World Cup.

What do you think of the state of politics in Zimbabwe and if it is so bad like it is reported, how come soccer development structures produces such good players?

Buti Mthembu

Jimmy Jambo: I am not a politician and I do not want to talk politics. I can only talk about football as a footballer…the talent we have in Zimbabwe. The development back home is not as structured as it is here but we have clubs like Aces who have developed a lot of good players like Tinashe (Nengomasha) and Knowledge Musona. I am sure things will get better.

Before you arrived at Chiefs, what did you know about the Club? Did you meet the legendary left-back Rudolf Searle or Ntsie Maphike? With whom do you share your room with in the camp?

Daniel Mashele

Jimmy Jambo: I knew Kaizer Chiefs were the biggest Club not only in South Africa but in the continent. I used to watch Tino (Tinashe Nengomasha) back home and it’s where I started to idolize the Club. Growing up people back home were talking about this Club and their history of winning trophies.

I went to school with Epson Sugar Muguyo’s son. Sugar was one of the Chiefs stars and among the first players from Zim who came to play here. He told me a lot about the history of the Club and the players his father used to play with.

I have not met the two gentlemen you have mentioned. I hear though they were good players. The only left-back I got to watch was Robson Muchichwa in the late 90s. That guy with a baldhead from Zimbabwe was really good but also I never got to meet him in person.

I share a room with Knowledge Musona. I have known him for a while. I remember when the national team coach back home gave him a call up for the first time after he had scored a hattrick against U20 (Amajita) in the Cosafa Cup.

I looked after him as a senior player (laughs). Knowledge is really a cool guy. He likes to play his PS in the room and does not have time even to talk to me. If some guys visit us in our room Knowledge will be glued on his PS.

I like your style of play more especially when you attack, give Punch Masenamela a run for his money…

Pilot Mhlongo

Jimmy Jambo: Thank you my brother for the compliment. I used to play as a winger growing up. One day when our left back did not pitch up the coach decided to use me as a left-back and I have not looked back ever since. Because of this, I always think about attacking my opponent as opposed to defending them.

Are you intending to leave Kaizer Chiefs for another Club? Where are you staying in Jozi and what car do you drive?

Dona

Jimmy Jambo: I am not even thinking about leaving Kaizer Chiefs for a local club as long as the Club wants me here. If I had to leave Chiefs then it should be for Europe. If that does not happen I am ready to stay here longer than my fellow countryman Tinashe has stayed. I stay in Naturena and driving BMW 325i.

How does it feel playing for the biggest Club, both in the country and the continent? Do you have a girlfriend?

Musa Thwala

Jimmy Jambo: Playing for Chiefs is my biggest achievement. I never thought growing up in Zim that today I would be donning the famous gold and black. I am in a steady relationship and my girlfriend is currently studying in Namibia.

How do you rate your teammates Punch Masenamela?

Isaac Ntjabane

Jimmy Jambo: Punch is a good player and has showed that he can go far in his career. I know that if I get injured or he is given a chance to play it will always be difficult to get the jersey back. However there is no bad blood between the two of us and he is one of my closest friends.

What do you make of the standard of refereeing in South Africa as compared to Zimbabwe?

Rueben Mohale

Jimmy Jambo: The standard of refereeing is quite high here as compared to back home. In South Africa there are structures that are aimed at developing referees and at home there is a lot of work that needs to be done.

How popular is Kaizer Chiefs in Zimbabwe?

Lebohang Motse

Jimmy Jambo: Very popular! In fact Chiefs is competing for fans with some of the top teams in Zimbabwe like Dynamos. I am sure if we can go play there the bigger part of the stadium will be gold. The fact that Chiefs has recruited players from Zimbabwe has made the Club even more popular among the football fanatics.

Who is the toughest opponent you have faced internationally, in the PSL and at training at Chiefs?

Jimmy Jambo: Shaun Write-Phillips from Manchester City gave me lot of problems when we played them in the Vodacom Challenge last year. In the PSL, the speedy wingers like Dikgang Mabalane are good and I respect all my opponents. Here at Chiefs the youngster, Tshegofaso “Ninja” Ramabu is good but David Mathebula is the one that gives me headaches. He is not only quick but very comfortable on the ball. He is a very good player.