James, welcome back to the pages of Soccer Laduma. The last time we spoke, you were telling us about when you and the late Gift Leremi took S'busiso Mazibuko's passport at the airport in Malawi.
Eish, S'bu was very upset. After we landed in South Africa, our next match was against Mamelodi Sundowns, and I was in the starting line-up for that match. S'busiso got his revenge when he took all my right-footed boots before the match. I had all the left-footed boots, and the coach (Kostadin Papic) wanted me to get on the field because all the players were already there. I told the coach: 'They took all my boots'. I was really frustrated and asked S'bu: 'Why would you do that before the game?' His answer was: 'Ja, do you remember what happened in Malawi?' They gave me back my boots, and that is how I got to play the match. But those are some of my memories during my time at Orlando Pirates. I built a very big family there, and we are still in touch.
What do you miss the most about playing for Pirates?
I miss the supporters, the meetings we had with chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza before the games and bringing in legends to support us. We were like the current Mamelodi Sundowns team. We had two to three starting line-ups, and no one was jealous; it's just that we were not lucky enough to win the League. There was a time when we had a long unbeaten streak. The generation of the late Phil 'Jones' Setshedi went 17 matches unbeaten, so we were pushing to break that record. Those are the moments that I will forever cherish, along with the team spirit in the dressing room.
We hear you…
I remember when the players were afraid to take a penalty against Manning Rangers at Orlando Stadium. I went and took the ball from Benedict Vilakazi, and Tso said to me: 'Here, take it. You are new in this team, and this is how you introduce yourself to the supporters'. From that moment, I took all the penalties. I will never forget those moments. It's not easy to play for Pirates; there are lots of players who want to playfor big teams. If God gives you that opportunity, you need to grab it with both hands.
When you left Orlando Pirates, why did you choose Maritzburg United?
I went to Tembisa Classic (before they were sold, relocated and renamed to Maritzburg United). When it was sold to Maritzburg United, that is how I moved there. I've always been in touch with the chairman Farook Kadodia and the kit manager Zola Luthuli, I have a good relationship with them. Even with the owner of AmaZulu, I'm in touch with them. I have good relationships in football circles.
Tell our readers about your time at Maritzburg United?
My time at Maritzburg United was very short. I was coached by Trott Moloto. We had very good and hungry players, and I enjoyed my time because I was familiar with KZN. Durban is also not that far from Maritzburg, so I was happy to be back in KZN where I started my career with African Wanderers. After that, I returned to Orlando Pirates just to take my clearance (certificate). After that, I spent most of my time at home and, unfortunately, got involved in a car accident in 2007. I was injured and out of action for the whole season. I considered retiring because I was not making much money. Eish, the little that I was making, between R10,000 and R12,000, I shared with my family and kids. I also had to look after myself and pay off my car. I really didn't make a lot of money in football, but the bottom line is that I have no regrets. God gave me the opportunity to showcase the talent I had. I used it and after I retired, I stayed connected with my former club bosses.
What was it like working with Trott Moloto?
Trott was aggressive, he was someone who wanted the job done or else you were in trouble. He is a straight-talking person and didn't take nonsense and that is why I still respect him. I always talk to him. We once got into an argument and the reason for that was that I was staying with Bongani Cashibe at a guest house, which was booked by the club for the whole year. The problem started the night we played against AmaZulu. The night before the match I decided to go and sleep at a friend's house and Trott had his person to go and check if the players were sleeping without knowing that I wasn't there. So, when we arrived at the field the following day, Trott was very angry. I explained to him that I did not sign a contract which said where I must sleep, I signed a contract to play. I did not sign a contract which said I would be monitored. I signed a contract to play and score goals. That's it. So, we had a fall out. But I called him and offered my apology because he took that the wrong way. I'm an adult and I must decide where I sleep. That is the only fall out we had, but today we are talking and in good terms. I respect him and all other coaches I worked like Kostadin Papic and Tebogo Moloi. Those are the guys that helped me in my career, especially Mlungisi 'Professor' Ngubane, who gave me my first game against Kaizer Chiefs. I will never forget him. I had to a good time.
When did you officially retire and how has life been since you've retired?
I'm officially retired from professional football. Since my accident in 2007, I have never worked. I've been doing part time coaching, promoting the kids.
James, thanks a lot, brother and all the best.
Pleasure.
By Zola Doda
STILL IN TOUCH FUN FACTS
My first paycheque: R1 200 at African Wanderers
My biggest salary: R13 500 on loan at Maritzburg United
Opponent I respected the most:
Fabian McCarthy and Mbulelo'Old John' Mabizela
Team I'd have loved to play for:
I trained with AmaZulu but I never got to play for them.
Favourite PSL player right now:
Ashley Du Preez, Khama Billiat, Relebohile Mofokeng
Craziest request from a fan: Boots
Best coach I played under: Professor Ngubane and Kostadin Papic
