Posted in News on Oct 28, 2009.
Thank you for your time “Docies”. You recently went to both Argentina and Uruguay to market the World Cup. Tell us about the trip...
It was a very successful trip and it never crossed my mind that it was going to be such a high profile trip as far as our World Cup preparations are concerned. On my arrival I caught up with our Embassy in Argentina. I also had an opportunity to meet the Minister of Sport in that country. We have to admit that we are couple of steps back in terms of development and South Africa can learn a lot from countries like Argentina particularly in football. Argentina is a football nation and my visit there was ahead of their crucial match against Peru and away in Uruguay. (KC.com: Argentina needed to win both games to ensure their qualification to 2010 World Cup) The vibe was unbelievable.
How important was this trip?
I was surprised to find out that Argentineans and Uruguayans do not know much about our preparations and how far we have come since the announcement was made back in May 1994 that, “the 2010 World Cup will be hosted by South Africa”. For instance they thought rugby stadiums would host the World Cup matches. I also had an opportunity to address the media where they asked questions around accommodation, transport, crime, etc.
The day before the Argentina vs. Peru game, I had an opportunity to meet up with Argentinean national team and it was good that they won. Maybe I had South African and Madiba magic with me (laughing).
Before the trip my boss, Walter Steenbok had specifically asked me to visit Boca Juniors Academy and it was an eye opener to spend some time there. We obviously saw how organised they were when we played them earlier this year during the International U-17 Tournament. The Vice President of the Club hosted me and we discussed possibilities of Kaizer Chiefs forging relations with them. They are very keen to see the two teams working together in the near future. There are lot of things in common between the two Clubs as the biggest clubs in their respective countries.
Then you went to Uruguay...
Yes, I got to conduct coaching clinics there as I did in Argentina. I also watched the game between Argentina and Uruguay. It was a very successful trip overall and I am delighted that I was afforded such an opportunity to spread the word about our preparations for 2010.
Still on 2010, what are your views on the teams that have qualified for the World Cup and on the play offs that will be taking place before the World Cup draw?
This question kept on cropping up during my visit to South America. What Argentina who have Leo Messi on their side and Portugal who have Christiano Ronaldo do not make it to 2010? The World Cup was there even before these two players came into the picture. Teams regardless of the talent they have they still had to play games to qualify like everyone. The teams that have qualified deserve to be here. It is a cherry on top that Leo Messi and Argentina will also be here and there is hope that Portugal can still make it through play offs. They will need to compete though as it is not going to be easy for them.
Which teams in your opinion will pose huge threats during the World Cup?
Chile, Serbia, Germany and Brazil in my opinion are the teams to watch - not forgetting Ghana and Ivory Coast. There are still questions whether Cameroon are going to qualify or not and have a tough game against Morocco. Teams who found the going tough during the qualifying stages are always very dangerous as well.
Back home though there were debates about who will be the next coach of Bafana Bafana. On Friday, Carlos Alberto Parriera was announced as a replacement to Joel Natalino Santana. What is your opinion on this?
The SAFA hierarchy has made the decision and we all have to live with it. It does look like they always had plan B in case things did not work with the previous coach. I will only be able to tell you whether it was a good or bad decision after the World Cup. All we can do is to rally behind the team. The team needs our support as a nation.
This week, the Soweto derby returns to Orlando. Share with us your memories as a boy from Soweto who used to attend games at what is called, “The Spiritual Home of South African Football”...
(Smiling) This is luxury for the young kids who are growing up in Soweto today. I remember as a young boy having to catch a train, without even a cent from Dube to Orlando. It was not very easy as you had to run for your life if the guards catch you without a ticket, all that was important for us though was to get to the stadium. Pirates fans used to sit next to the entrance and the exit and you will be forced to do the Pirates sign. It was always tough...
Kids would sit inside the pitch and when a player is taking a corner kick would just have to take two steps back. You would be tempted to touch the player, just to say, “I am here, sharp”. It was an amazing experience having to watch the derby there. I was lucky to grow up in a family where there were lot of stories told about the derby and at an early age I had an idea what it meant every time the two teams met.
You told us earlier that you have played against Pirates at Orlando...
Yes, it was back in 1987 and on my debut for the Club. I remember putting the ball in between Mandla Sithole’s legs before putting the ball in the back of the net. Change rooms at Orlando were on the opposite side as it is now and that side usually belonged to Orlando Pirates. The fans would spew; throw insults at you as you enter the pitch. It was quite intimidating as a young player.
I remember our security personnel would intercept us on the freeway as we drove to Soweto. You are not allowed as a player to talk to anyone, no greetings...it was always tense. On the field, it was always war!
Now, Chiefs will have to face Golden Arrows before the Big one on Saturday...
The game against Golden Arrows is a tricky one for the players. It might not have the same hype as the Soweto derby but it is very important looking where the team is on the log. Players would want to do well in that game to raise their hand for the derby. The last 20/25 minutes will be very crucial as players would start thinking about the next game (Chiefs vs. Pirates). The game against Golden Arrows can never be undermined and I am sure our guys are mindful of this. I am certain that both the players and the Technical Team watched them on Saturday as they beat Ajax Cape Town to lift the MTN8 Trophy.
What is your view on the upcoming derby?
It is a massive game, a wonderful opportunity for both teams to display their talent at Soweto. It is history now that Pirates beat us twice last season in the league. Both teams lost on Wednesday, but that will be history on Saturday. The teams lack individual brilliance of the likes of Ace Khuse, Tebugo Moloi, etc which will make teamwork very key on who comes tops at the end of the day.
Finally, Chiefs U-17 has once more qualified for the Future Champions Tournament to be held in Soweto again early next year?
This affords us an opportunity once more as the Club to test our skills with some of the best teams in the World. This year we beat Corinthians, lost against Boca Juniors who went on to win the tournament. It was a good experience for the boys and it has showed with the way we have been playing this season.
