Actor Ishamauel Songo is one of the Kaizer Chiefs supporters still picking up the pieces of a broken heart after the Soweto Derby defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-final over the weekend. Soccer Laduma spoke to the actor, popularly known as Mpande on The Wife, about his undying love for Amakhosi.
How are you feeling after your club Kaizer Chiefs was knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by rivals Orlando Pirates?
That defeat cut my heart into pieces. It was a great game, there had to be a winner at the end of the day. It was a cup semi-final. They went toe-toe. Chiefs could have killed Pirates in the first half, but if you miss your chances, you get punished. We were playing catch up and by the time we equalised, Pirates were gaining momentum. We could have put Mduduzi Shabalala in the starting line-up. For me, he is the only player who is shining like a bright star at the moment. I think that's the mistake Arthur Zwane might have made. Nonetheless, Pirates played well and deserved a win, but we probably needed the win more than them. It was a fantastic. There are certain games you can lose, but the last team you want to lose is Orlando Pirates, so it adds salt to the wound. But it's football. You wake up and you try again.
Let's talk about your love for Amakhosi...
It's a tradition at home that we support Kaizer Chiefs. We go to the stadium and we hardly miss a game. I never miss a derby. I never watch a Soweto Derby on TV. My dad instilled that because I used to play soccer. I had to choose between football and acting, but I still have a connection with football. It's something that's in my blood. I always wish I could have played professionally, but it is what it is. We are all doing what we are doing and we are all meant to be where we are right now. But I go as often as I can to the stadium. It's just that with my industry it's tricky. We shoot on Saturdays, so it's not always easy.
Seeing that you hardly miss Soweto derbies, which one is your most memorable?
It has to be the one at Ellis Park (April 11, 2001). So many people died. My dad had this tradition of putting me on his neck to avoid getting hurt when there are stampedes and things like that. We almost got injured that day. I was young and I grew up in the centre of Johannesburg, the CBD. So, we would walk to Ellis Park and back. And with FNB Stadium, we would take a taxi because my dad did not like driving, or sometimes we would drive for safety. So, that was my most memorable derby. It sticks in my mind. It never goes away.
Who do you think has been Chiefs' best player this season?
I'd say Mduduzi Shabalala, because the people we expected to shine this season are not shining. They are on and off. Remember with football, you are only as good as your last game. I'll give you an example with (Monnapule) Saleng. He is not the greatest player in the world, but because of his form, he can be player of the season. For me, Shabalala has been consistent when they have given him opportunities and he has brought the flavour. Kaizer Chiefs does not have a special player. That's what the team has always been about. We've always had a special player in all the generations. So, with this boy, he is our special player. Every era has a special player and this one can be ours now.
Who would you say has been the best signing for Chiefs this season?
I don't have. None of our signings.
What needs to be done for Chiefs to win a title next season?
I like how young players are coming through from development. We need to mix the youth with the experienced players. If you look at (Samkelo) Zwane and Shabalala, they can learn so much from guys like (Itumeleng) Khune. For the mere fact that Khune is in the team, they can learn from him. For example, Mduduzi is a flamboyant player. We don't want him dribbling when he is not supposed to.
If you had all the money in the world, which three players would you sign for Chiefs next season?
You put me on the spot there. Playing for Chiefs is not easy. Not anyone can just come into that setup. I'd bring in (Andile) Jali because I feel the young boys can learn a lot from him. I would bring in (Junior) Mendieta. He is a 90-minute player. We don't have a player like him at Chiefs. For the third player, I'd look for a young player from the NFD (Motsepe Foundation Championship. It's not like Chiefs does not have players. We do have players. We just need to find a structure for everyone to gel. I'd get a young player, who is in their early 20s and can grow. We should never doubt the young boys. Just look at (Mfundo) Vilakazi in our development. I've been watching that boy for the past two years and before, because originally I am from Tembisa and I attend every Philly's Games. I watch that boy ekasi and in the Diski Challenge. He is another special boy that we need in the team, so Arthur Zwane must do the right thing. They must not waste time. Guys like Steve Lekoelea were playing the derby when they were 16 or 17. That's what we lack in South Africa. We want to show our faith in 27-year-olds. That's too late. Barcelona have guys like Pedri and Gavi playing in the first team as teenagers. Why aren't we believing in our boys? They've got nothing to lose.
Who is your all-time favourite Chiefs player?
It's Jabu Pule. There are some memorable moments I have from the stadium. I won't forget the Coca Cola Cup final betwen Chiefs and Cosmos, where we beat them 5-0. He had that Kaizer Chiefs thing.
