Kaizer Chiefs' number one fan, Machaka, chatted to Soccer Laduma about the ever-improving Erick Mathoho and how important his contribution at Chiefs is. What do the fans think of his colleagues in Chiefs' central defence, Tefu Mashamaite and Morgan Gould? Read on for all of Machaka's thoughts…
Soccer Laduma: Hi Machaka. What is your take on Erick Mathoho since he joined Kaizer Chiefs?
Machaka: Before Chiefs signed him from his former club, Celtic, they were reluctant to release him, but Chiefs kept on pushing until they got their man. Amakhosi wouldn't have signed him if he was not a good player. If a team of Kaizer Chiefs' calibre is after your services, it means they have seen something in you. Chiefs didn't sign 'Tower' just to add numbers. He was brought to the team to bring in more quality and that is why he is still playing regularly up until now. He has proven he is also national team material.
SL: How long did it take for him to convince you that he was the real deal?
M: Since his days at Celtic, I realised that he would be an asset and not a liability. It was very important to bring a player of Mathoho's calibre into the team.
SL: How important is Tower to Chiefs?
M: He is very important. You will remember that some years ago we had tall central defenders such as 'Bricks' Mudau, Lucas Radebe and Neil Tovey, to mention a few. Thereafter we had short guys such a Patrick Mabedi and Fabian McCarthy. After signing players such as Mathoho, (Morgan) Gould and 'Masha' (Tefu Mashamaite), we at least have defenders who are also able to deal with aerial balls.
SL: Statistics show that 'Tower' and 'Masha' have played more games together than Morgan Gould. Why do you think his partnership with Mashamaite better than when either of them is paired with Gould?
M: I think they are all quality, but the coach can't play all three of them at the same time. Looking at Mathoho, coming from Celtic I think he has gelled very well with the team, and the same goes with Masha and Gould. They have a good understanding. Not forgetting Itumeleng Khune. Before he was injured, he was also part of that understanding at the back, hence the least number of goals conceded (in the league). This is also about Masilela and Gaxa. However, what I have realised is that Tower and Masha communicate very well when playing together, but one can't write a big man like Morgan Gould off. He is a lion. I like the way the coach rotates them. At time he brings Gould into the game late, and recently we've seen him pairing Gould and Masha brining in Tower into the game late. It means he believes in all three of them. I am happy because each of them gets time to play.
SL: Looking at Chiefs' legends, who does he remind you of in central defence?
M: In my opinion, he reminds me of Lucas Radebe. We need strong people at the back – people who can tackle and don't allow opposition strikers to score goals easily. It was not a fluke that 'The Chief', as Lucas is known in football circles, went on to play in England. Just give 'Tower' a couple of years. Looking at the way he conducts himself on the field, it won't be long before he moves overseas. His style of play and defending is out of this world. He must just stay focused and be consistent.
SL: So he is as good as some of the best defenders to play at Chiefs?
M: Yes, of course. There are some of the legends that I never saw playing, but from the former players that I saw playing during their days, I hold 'Tower' in a high esteem and put him in the same category as those former defenders. He is a very committed player.
SL: Where do you think he can still improve as a player?
M: I think at times he must relax and be calm. At times he allows pressure to get to him and he ends up clearing the ball as far as his own half. That can be dangerous at times. Apart from that, he is a doing a very good job at the back.
SL: What do you think is the best game Mathoho has ever played at Chiefs?
M: He has played so many great games and it is difficult for me to single out one. However, playing against a team of Pirates' calibre and not conceding is an achievement for any defence. Football is a team sports but I think Mathoho was outstanding in the MTN8 Cup Final derby match. Even the in Bafana Bafana Afcon qualifying games, I think he was outstanding.
SL: And his worst game?
M: I don't remember any game where I can say he didn't have a good game and ended up being substituted. Yes, maybe there were games where he was not at his best, but he always does well and keeps fighting.
SL: Thanks for chatting to us, Machaka.
M:Anytime, thank you.
