Actor Nkanyiso Mchunu has explained why the dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns has made it difficult for him to watch his beloved Orlando Pirates over the last few years.
Soccer Laduma spoke to the actor to find out how he started supporting the Soweto giants and why he has not been watching his favourite team's matches in the same way he used to.
Talk to us about the team you support in the PSL
It's the team from Orlando in Soweto. They stress us now and again, but at least there are some wins here and there and trophies as well. But I have not been watching them as much as I used to.
Why haven't you been watching them?
I think it has something to do with Mamelodi Sundowns dominating South African football. You end up losing interest. I am a firm believer in what Zlatan Ibrahimovic used to say. He used to say 'I did not sign up to be number two because nobody remembers number two'. I think ever since Sundowns have been dominating, I just sort of lost interest. You know that we are fighting for these other positions, so why bother if it's not number one. Sundowns have been dominating. It kills that thing, but it's a chance for everyone else to start taking football as serious as Sundowns does. Pirates can learn from this.
Where did your love for Pirates come from?
I am from Pietermaritzburg. It was either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates. My younger brother, who is actually a football fan because I was a bit more into cricket growing up, supports Kaizer Chiefs. So, I would love the opposite of whatever he loved. So, my love for Pirates actually grew because when I moved up to Gauteng from KZN, I worked with Pirates' supporters' coordinator. It was the time when I was on Muvhango.
Can you remember some of the Pirates players you met that time?
Yes. I met Lucky Lekgwathi. He was the captain at the time. I remember that time. I also met Mpho Makola. Those were exciting times. I am an actor, so I had met a few actors at that time, but I had never met football players. So, meeting the guys that I support was great. I got to ask the captain questions. He was on his way to retiring at the time and he had all the wisdom. Meeting Lucky Lekgwathi was amazing.
Can you remember your early days as a Pirates supporter?
Yes, I remember. We did not have a TV at home. For some reason, my mom hated having a TV because she thought robbers would come in and steal. It was around 2005/06. So, I would know the names of the players, but I did not know their faces. You'd see the pictures of the players in Kickoff or Soccer Laduma and then get to put the face to the name.
Who is your all-time favourite Pirates player?
It would have to be Jerry Sikhosana. That's the first name that comes to mind when we speak about Pirates. That's my legend, the Legs of Thunder. We don't have strikers like him anymore, the finishers.
