If Thembinkosi Mthembu had not taken up a career in acting, he might have followed in the footsteps of his all-time favourite player at Orlando Pirates, Moeneeb Josephs.
A goalkeeper while growing up, Mthembu first started out as a Kaizer Chiefs fan, but has an interesting story of how he fell in love with the Buccaneers. Soccer Laduma spoke to the Adulting actor to find out where his love for Pirates comes and why he is such a big fan of 'Slim Kat' Josephs.
Firstly, how do you feel about Pirates' season which saw them winning the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup?
I won't lie. I am happy with the progress of the team. We've had players in previous seasons, but there was just something missing, but with what we have done this season, it's something big. Yes, we'd want to win the league as well, but I am happy that we have qualified to play in the CAF Champions League. It's been a while since we played in the Champions League. I am happy with the new coach and we also thank God for Monnapule Saleng.
Speaking of Saleng, do you think he should have won the PSL Footballer of the Season as there have been debates about the award?
I am an Orlando Pirates supporter and I watch football. Both players (Saleng and Teboho Mokoena) had a good season, but when you look at the stats? What do they say? He should have won it. Maybe it's because we did not win the league, but I think he deserved it. But he won the Last Man Standing and Player's Player of the Season, so at least he was awarded. If his form does not drop, then maybe he can win the Footballer of the Season next season. That guy really loves football. He is a baller.
What do you think Pirates should do next season to finally dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns as champions?
What can I say? Our coach is there and he is right and the team is also solid. Maybe there are just some areas we need to strengthen. We need to buy (players), but not too much because we don't want to break what we have now. Hopefully we won't have too many injuries when the season starts. Maybe we can get a striker, a finisher, a bulldozer.
If you had the chance to sign players for Pirates, who would you get?
I think we can get someone who can play at anchor and we also get a striker. Then, we will be fine.
Speaking about an anchorman, Andile Jali has been linked with a return to Pirates. As a supporter, do you want him back at the club?
Yes, for his experience. He has a heart and you can feel his presence and people are scared of him. I think they should sign him and then you bring in someone from the development who can learn from him. I would be happy if we sign Jali.
Do you have an all-time favourite Pirates player?
It was Moeneeb Josephs, because I was a goalkeeper before I started acting. So, Josephs is my all-time favourite. I used to buy the same gloves as him. I liked how he was passionate for whatever team he played for. When he got to Pirates, he was hungry to succeed. He played with his heart.
Do you have a favourite player in the current team?
I have two. Nkosinathi Sibisi and our goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine. He has done so well and people have seen how well they have done. I am happy with them.
When did your love for Pirates start?
I was in primary school. I was supporting Kaizer (Chiefs) because of mom. She loves Kaizer Chiefs. But, like I said, I played football. We travelled from Durban to have trials. We had trials at Sundowns, School of Excellence and Pirates. I really enjoyed the trial at Pirates and the process at development. It was for two days. When I met players at Pirates, I immediately changed. I got home and my dad is a Pirates supporter as well. That's where I decided. I was very young.
So, why didn't you pursue a career in football?
It's tricky with football. There are teams in KZN. My mother and dad told me something that helped me. They told me to get a qualification. Because I did drama in high school, I thought I should do acting. When I got to university, I joined the football team but I fell out of love with it and my focus just shifted to acting. When I looked at it, I thought I can be an actor until I am 80. With football, you retire. With acting, I knew I can act forever. With football, it's not the same.
No regrets?
Zero regrets. I love football and I watch it. I am a die-hard Pirates supporter, but acting was a calling.
