Posted in News on Nov 23, 2009.
Gary thanks to you for taking time to talk to kaizerchiefs.com. Take us back how did your move to Kaizer Chiefs happen?
I injured my knee back in 1986 World Cup while playing for England and it took a while to rehabilitate. I decided to retire as a Manchester United player in 1987 after playing five games under Sir Alex Ferguson. I returned home back to Cape Town, studied and rested really without doing much. My knee got better and my doctor told me that I can play for at least two seasons but I should not push myself hard at training.
I had a chat with my dad (Roy Bailey), told him that I was thinking of rejoining Wits University (now known as Bidvest Wits) where I had played before. He advised me to join the ‘best team in the country’, Kaizer Chiefs. He told me that having played at the highest level and played for Man U it would be nice if I can join Chiefs. He called Kaizer Motaung and I signed. Ted Dimitru was a coach at that time.
Tell us a little bit about your debut for the Glamour Boys…
I made my debut for Chiefs in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates in Venda. The stadium was packed; people came to see also this ‘white guy’ from Manchester United. I remember had to fetch the ball in my net after Orlando Pirates, Mandla Sithole had scored inside 10 minutes. We ended up drawing that game. I was happy with the way I had played…I thought I had done enough for someone who had not played competitive football for ten years. From there I did not look back.
The year 1988 was not a great year for the Club…
The team did not do well especially in the first round and Jeff Buttler replaced Ted Dimitru midway through the season. We had a fantastic second half of the season winning almost all the games and reaching the Bob Save final where we lost to Pirates. It was fantastic and of course that finish set the tone for the 1989 season where we won almost everything except the Bob Save.
In 1989 though the team came back smoking winning almost all the trophies on offer…
That team should be among the greatest sides to be assembled in South African football. We had the cream of South African football, Trevor Mthimkhulu, Chippa Molatedi, Ace Khuse, Howard Freeze, Mark Tovey; Shane McGregor had also joined us. He formed a deadly partnership with Marks Maponyane up front. There was of course Doctor Khumalo and many other players that I did not mention.
What memories stand out during your short stint with the Club?
Probably the Bob Save Final against rivals, Orlando Pirates in 1988 is the memory that stands out for me despite losing that game. The atmosphere at Ellis Park was unbelievable with people sitted in the roof, close to the touchline. This has to be followed by the seven thriller where we beat Moroka Swallows at FNB in 1989.
We needed to win the game at all costs to win the league that season and Swallows had deadly players like Noel Cousins who gave us a torrid time. It was a fantastic team effort that won us the game at the end. I was very emotional after that game knowing that it was my last. My knees had started giving me lots of problems. I am happy with the five trophies I won with Chiefs.
What made the Class of 89’special in your opinion?
Like I said earlier, we had great players, top players in the league. We played to win. I had lots of ideas having played in England and Ace also had ideas on which Jeff Buttler bought into but it was a fantastic team effort. There was a good vibe among the players.
Who were your closest buddies in the team?
Mark Tovey, Neil Tovey’s brother was a close friend of mine so was Shane McGregor. I also got along with Ace Ntsulengue and William Shongwe.
Chiefs has continued to produce good goalkeepers…
Oh yes, Brian Baloyi now Itumeleng Khune I am very happy about this but Chiefs has to start winning lots of trophies not only domestically but internationally as well. The Club needs to buy top players. In 1989 I was the highest paid player in the PSL earning in a region of R4000, 00. Chiefs have to start luring top players like it did in the past. I wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs and that is how youngsters should feel about the greatest team in South Africa.
Funniest moments…
I remember back in 1989, I was walking behind Doctor (Khumalo) with Mark Tovey. We saw Doc jumping only to find out he was scared of the frog. We were bit amazed by his reaction and later that night we decided to throw the frog through the window where Doctor and Trevor (Mthimkhulu) were sleeping. I cannot forget watching a picture of Doctor and Trevor standing on top of the headboard screaming it was very funny. Doctor was saying that seeing a frog ahead of the game was a bad omen (laughing)
Sir Dave Richards’s on his visit to Naturena early this year referred to Chiefs as “Manchester United of Africa”…
He is right, I always tell people during my sessions that there are two giants, Man United in Europe but if you come to Africa you cannot longer further than Kaizer Chiefs. There is a lot in common with these two sporting brands. I am honoured to have played for both giants.
In less than eight months, South Africa is going to host the biggest sporting event in the form of World Cup. You must be looking forward to this…
It is important that Bafana Bafana do well but the World Cup not about Bafana Bafana but the country. People should not mistaken the World Cup to the Confederations Cup where we had mostly local fans filling the stadium. Fans all over the world will be coming to the World Cup as we have top teams who have qualified. It’s going to be a huge event…cant’ wait.
