“I am still following Kaizer Chiefs! And of course I know that my former Club is playing in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates. I will be following the updates during the game from Venezuela. I wish the team good luck!”

That’s how former Amakhosi striker José Torrealba reacts when contacted by mail. The Venezuelan played in the 2008 MTN8 final, which Kaizer Chiefs won after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 on penalties (Torrealba scored one of them).

Torrealba recalls that memorable final full of excitement: “How can I forget that final in 2008? It was my first game against my former club Mamelodi Sundowns and that… in a Cup Final! It’s impossible to forget that one.”

“I clearly remember how much I wanted to win that final. I had so much energy and I was running all over in the attacking part of the field. I also remember that we had an incredible opportunity to score in the last minute, but Mandla Masango didn't pass me the ball. He missed that chance and I wanted to kill him!”

“By the way, I am so happy to see how well Mandla is playing at present. Anyway, fortunately, we won the Cup on penalties. After the final, I was so tired... There was a party that night after the match to celebrate the triumph - I think MTN sponsored it – but I preferred to stay at the hotel to rest. I was so exhausted. But was I happy!!!”

At present, Torrealba is not playing any club soccer in Venezuela due to surgery on his knee in January: “I am working hard in the gym and I do a lot of running, following programs prepared by my personal physical trainer. I hope to start playing again next year.”

“Tomorrow’s MTN8 final brings back so many good memories,” concludes the former Amakhosi striker. “It was also played in Durban. In that 2008 final Itumeleng Khune, Yeye Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Mandla all played and they will have a chance to win another MTN8 trophy tomorrow. Well, except Itu, due to his injury. But Kaizer Chiefs always have good goalkeepers, so I am sure that Khune’s replacement will do well. I am fully behind the guys!”