Gerald ‘Tso’ Sibeko is currently the longest serving player in the squad, having been promoted in the 2001/2002 season. Even though he does not feature much in the team currently, he is still quality and enjoys respect among his teammates. He spoke to kaizerchiefs.com about his ‘favourites’ including what people do not know about him.

Firsts….

The first jersey number…

Gerald Sibeko: It was no. 6 jersey at Meadowlands Professionals. I played both in the middle and sometimes at the back.

First boots…

Puma Ranger was my first boot. My father was always supportive and I do not remember playing without boots throughout amateur football.

The first pay cheque…

It was R400 at Kaizer Chiefs Development. I gave all of the money to my mother, Dina Sibeko.

The first kiss…

(Smiling) I do not remember my first kiss. I was not a naughty boy at school and even in the township I concentrated on playing football. It was always all about football for me, playing Challenge with my friends in the streets. I grew up in Meadowlands and next to my house there were fields so in my spare time I would go there for a kick around.

The first car…

My father gave me his Toyota Corolla GL before I bought my first car VW Golf 1 in 2003. I remember the likes of Cyril Nzama liked to tease me about the car. After training they will go like, “Drive Tso, we will catch you on the way”. Cyril would then come to me for a lift. There was not dull moment when Cyril is around.

The first time I boarded a flight….

I was still with the School of Excellence back in 1995. I was one of the players that were picked to go to play in Umthatha, Eastern Cape. It was such an experience boarding a flight for the first time.

Ifs….

If you would invite four people for dinner in your house who would it be?

Thabo Mbeki, he was very instrumental to keep us going in exile during the Apartheid years. I am interested to know how he made the connections outside the country. I would also invite Jose Mourhino. He has won leagues with about three Clubs that he has coached and two Champions Leagues. I would be interested to find out how he did it. My wife would definitely invite my wife to join us as well. If Steve Jobs was alive I would invite him for obvious reasons…so I will have to stick to three people!

If you were not a footballer what would you be doing?

I would be working in an IT industry.

If you could make changes in South African football what would you prioritize….

I would prioritize the Development because I am also a product of the development. I do think we are not giving the Development the priority that it deserves. Where are we going to have an 18 year-old player taking Premier Soccer League by storm.

General

What do you get up to on your spare time?

I like to read and sometimes I walk my two dogs, Pumba and Temone.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Me and my wife like to go to Mpumalanga, the Game Reserves there including the Kruger National Park.

What is your favourite movie?

My favourite movie of all time is Meet Joe Black.

What are you reading right now?

Thabo Mbeki – Dream Differed.

What is playing on your car right now?

I am listening to Metro FM.

Who is your funniest teammate?

Domza (Dominic Isaacs). People think he is serious but when I am with him he is always funny, giving people funny names and so on.

Where is your favourite hangout?

I like chilling home; it has to be my favourite hangout!

What three things people do not know about Gerald Sibeko?

Tjo! (Taking a pause) I am romantic in my own way (laughing). I am a good cooker. I am also shy in front of people I do not know.