How was the reception when you first arrived at Chiefs Village in Naturena?


M. S. Shobede

Thomas Sweswe: I knew that I was joining a great Club in Chiefs and I was not worried about the reception. I was made to feel at home on my first day…everyone at the Club was great from the start. Arthur Zwane having played with Tinashe (Nengomasha) for a very long time was very helpful as well although he kept on teasing us. Tinashe was also there to guide us.

How do you compare South African and Zimbabwean league, if it was not for money, which one would you, choose to play in?


Lister Mampe

Thomas Sweswe: In my opinion from the football point of view, the league in Zimbabwe is much more competitive as compared to the Premier Soccer League here. The difference is that there is lot of money being pumped in here because of the huge sponsors and if it was the case in Zim, I would be playing at home. I am however grateful to be playing in South Africa for Kaizer Chiefs which is one of the biggest Clubs in the continent.

Which player in the PSL gives you headaches and where do you see yourself in five years?


Nhlahla Mseleku

Thomas Sweswe: Richard Henyekane of Golden Arrows is very troublesome with his speed and is a very awkward player to deal with. I see myself here at Chiefs after five years, helping the Club to win more trophies.

Thomas your bravery reminds me of Samson in the bible, tell me about your background and which player do you model your game to? Which player do you spend most of your time off the field?


Jacob Ntsie

Thomas Sweswe: I was born in a place called Gweru in Zimbabwe. We are five at home, three sisters and two brothers, I am the third born. My brother is however not playing football like me. I grew up next to the Main Stadium in Zimbabwe, Rufaro and naturally I fell in love with the game from an early age.

I spend most of my time off the field with my compatriot, Tinashe Nengomasha. We have known each other since growing up as kids and we went on to play junior football together then the national team and now here at Chiefs. We have always been close since our school days.

‘EL Matador’, finesse defending and passing. How do you find your career so far in the Absa Premiership? Who is the most taunting opponent at training?

Thomas Sweswe: I am happy to be playing for such a big Club in the very organized league. I think my game has improved a lot since my arrival here ten months ago. (Knowledge) Musona is definitely the most troublesome at training. The boy has everything, speed, skill and is also very clever.

Do you have any specific thing that has changed in your life since joining Kaizer Chiefs? Is the stuff we read on newspapers about Zimbabwe true or it is exaggerated?


Mzukisi Fani

Thomas Sweswe: My lifestyle has definitely changed for better and my family including my parents is well looked after. I am currently building a house both for me and my parents back home. I stay with my wife Pricilla and my son, Siyabonga here in Joburg. I named my son after former Chiefs player, Siyabonga Nomvethe.

Kaizerchiefs.com: That is great, did you tell him when you met him at Ellis Park in January…

Thomas Sweswe: Yes, I did. He was definitely one of my favourites here at Chiefs when he was here. He struggled when he came back to join Moroka Swallows but now is back again on form and is now with Bafana Bafana in Germany.

He is a humble guy and just thanked me when I broke the news to him.

Zimbabwe is a great country; I am planning to go back home when I call it quits in football. The stuff written on newspapers is both true and yes, sometimes is blown out of proportion.

What car do you drive?


Schenker LesothoJon

Thomas Sweswe: My focus now is to finish the two houses I am currently building back home and I will see about the car after that…I take lifts with my teammates now or use the bus used by the players to move around.

In the central defence, between Nahayo, Rooi and Isaacs, who do you prefer to be partnered with and what advise can you give to the younger footballers in terms of behavior?

Thomas Sweswe: I prefer to play with any of the guys you have mentioned, as they are all quality players with experience. To succeed in this game it is very important that you listen to your coaches, also be professional about your job. Education is also very important as it gives you an option when you playing days are over.

Your nickname, Rambo, how long have you being called that who gave it to you?


Beaver

Thomas Sweswe: I was called Rambo since my days at school because I have always been a very strong guy from a young age. Richard who is my neighbor back home gave me the nickname after TV star, Sylvester Stallion.

You have been in the PSL for over ten months now, which team in the PSL is most difficult to play with and lastly I have observed that you are erratic when you do the offside trap during games, what are you doing to improve this?


Moimana Given

Thomas Sweswe: Golden Arrows for sure! They are a very tough side although we beat them in the first round of the league back in October. We drew our second game in February at Moses Mabhida. They are such a mobile side, very unpredictable. They also have a good coach in Manqoba Mnqithi. I have never seen the guy panicking or even shouting players during the game.

What is your target next season?


Mduduzi Mthembu

Thomas Sweswe: We want to win the league next season for sure…we going to give it our all to make sure that we realize this dream!

Kaizerchiefs.com together with Thomas Sweswe would like to thank you for sending through questions and words of encouragement. We would also like to apologise for the delay in publishing this particular interview.