As a Kaizer Chiefs supporter, actor Thabang Lefoa is seeing some progress under interim coach Cavin Johnson and is hoping that this could be a turnaround for the club.
Lefoa was at Peter Mokaba Stadium over the weekend for the DSTV Premiership match between Polokwane City and Kaizer Chiefs, who edged Rise and Shine 1-0. Soccer Laduma spoke to Lefoa about his beloved Amakhosi.
What are your thoughts on the crazy season Chiefs are having? Surely, your stress levels are high...
I was at the recent match against Polokwane City and my heart was jumping up and down. I was hoping that Chiefs would win. Those guys from Polokwane City play well and they have some young guys who cause problems. There's huge potential for them. But Chiefs won and it was good.
Do you have some hope that the season is slowly turning around after they registered their first back-to-back victories under Cavin Johnson?
Most definitely. I think the season could be turning around. If we get a new coach involved, with new strategies and someone who can keep introducing the young players who are eager, then we can get it right. I think there will be a good turnaround for them.
You talk about a new coach, but don't you think Johnson is good enough to take over on a permanent basis?
Cavin Johnson is doing well and if they can give him more opportunities to prove himself and give the young players a chance, then I think Chiefs can be unstoppable. I believe young players are hungry to succeed. They just want to play football and showcase their talent, so Johnson can keep giving them an opportunity. I think Chiefs can be unstoppable.
How did you start supporting Chiefs?
It was when I was young. If your father listens to jazz, you will eventually start listening to jazz. So, it's something that comes from home. My late father, my mother and brothers are all Chiefs supporters, except my older brother who is a Mamelodi Sundowns supporter. We even had the insurance from Chiefs to show how dedicated we are to supporting them.
Do you have an all-time favourite Chiefs player?
It has to be Siphiwe Tshabalala. But there's Doctor Khumalo as well. Those are legends. During the times of Doctor Khumalo, Kaizer Chiefs could play the likes of Manchester United (laughs). Those are people I look up to.
Do you have a favourite in the current team?
It's Nkosingiphile Ngcobo. He is a top player. I love the young players in the team. There is a great future for him at Chiefs and I see a lot of opportunities for him. I like the fact that he is humble and he respects his craft. I also like Mduduzi Shabalala. Those are the young players I feel can play a big role for Chiefs for the next five years or so. If Chiefs continue to push their academy, they will keep producing top players.
Where do you see Chiefs finishing this season?
Let's say in the top four.
