Actor Sicelo Buthelezi has explained why his love for Kaizer Chiefs will never die and has revealed which player is his all-time favourite from the Soweto giants.
Soccer Laduma recently got to meet up with Buthelezi at Lucas Moripe Stadium, where he was watching the Tshwane derby between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns.
As a Chiefs supporter, what do you make of the season so far for the club?
It's difficult to admit if it's going well or not, because we are still defrosting. Obviously the pressure from the supporters is also there. I think they are still finding themselves. These 1-0 wins or 1-0 defeats show that we are not bad and we are not good. We are just in-between. That's where I feel the team is. It's like a building phase.
So how important is it for supporters to be patient during a phase like this?
It's very important. We have our problems with the coaches, so we can't say the team is doing badly or not because there are still some things we need to take care of first, like getting stable. Once we have that, then we can start saying we are performing well or we are performing good because then we would have a structure and a format of how we play. Right now, we don't know what's working or what's not working because of the coaching changes. We are still trying to find the right squad and trying different things. When Molefi Ntseki was coach, we were playing with more experienced players. We did not have too many youngsters playing. Now (under Cavin Johnson), some of the younger players are getting an opportunity.
What do you make of the four games Cavin Johnson has been in charge of as interim coach?
It's not bad. Right now, I don't think we can commit to one way of playing because he is not permanent. I am glad that he is doing what he can do under the circumstances. I am not mad.
Are you happy with the signings the club made this season?
Yes. I mean (Ranga) Chivaviro has been causing problems for the opposition defenders. He was a threat in the derby and you could tell that he is a new player in the team and a different taste. We want to see more of him. So far, I'd say I am happy. I am not mad at Chiefs. Kaizer Chiefs will forever be the love of my life, no matter what happens. I am a loyal fan.
How did you start supporting Chiefs?
My dad. It's a generational thing. I can't just change teams. Where else would I go? I was told the history of the team by my father. I am stuck with Kaizer Chiefs.
What are your earliest memories as a Chiefs supporter?
I think it was the 2004/05 season. Chiefs had won the Premiership and I remember my dad celebrating. I was not celebrating because I did not understand what was happening. But my dad was like 'don't be sad, we won'. That was my first time understanding what supporting a team looks like.
Do you have an all-time favourite Chiefs player?
It's Knowledge Musona. He was the best striker ever. That guy did not want Chiefs to ever lose. He was top notch.
Do you have a favourite in the current Chiefs team?
I am looking at the younger players like Mduduzi Shabalala. I am looking at (Samkelo) Zwane. I am really happy with the youngsters and I am looking forward to seeing what characters they grow up to become.
Lastly, where do you see Chiefs finishing in the DSTV Premiership this season?
In the top three. I am putting it out there. We will finish in the top three. It's not like we are doing badly. It's just that people are putting pressure on us because we are one of the big teams.
