Kagisho Dikgacoi will forever be remembered for laying that defence-splitting pass which resulted in the opening goal against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The former midfielder started his career with a local team in Brandfort, known as Cardiff Spurs. He later joined Vodacom League (now ABC Motsepe League) side Bloemfontein Young Tigers where he was scouted by coach Morena Ramoreboli. After only one season, he moved to Golden Arrows and helped the team qualify for the 2008/09 MTN8. His performance at Bafana Bafana earned him a move to Fulham where he played under Roy Hodgson. In England, he also turned out for Crystal Palace and Cardiff City before returning to Abafana Bes'thende in 2016, where he spent a season before hanging up his boots.
KG, great talking to you. What have you been up to these days since retiring from football?
Besides spending time attending coaching courses, I've been coaching here at Mangaung United and we have qualified for the ABC Motsepe League national playoffs. I've also been working on developing coaching programs at my academy in Bloemfontein. Coaching is something that I have always wanted to do since I started playing. I know football more than anything, so it shouldn't be something difficult to adapt to. It's only a matter of learning more and acquiring higher qualifications, helping me to become a better coach.
A lot of former players who were successful don't have the patience. From your side, how have you been adjusting?
I'm patient and willing to learn; there are no shortcuts. I understand how difficult and stressful it can be in that department. I'm also willing to acquire higher qualifications, be it a CAF or UEFA Pro License. That's the route I'm taking.
What do you miss the most about playing?
You know, playing is different from coaching. I miss being on the field with other players and expressing the talent I was born with. Obviously, because of age and retiring, I had to shift to coaching. But sometimes I do play for the Masters and get involved in some of the training sessions. I miss it, but now I have to focus more on my venture into becoming a coach.
Now let's talk about your playing career. Where did it all begin for you?
After leaving my local amateur team Cardiff Spurs, I joined the youth team of Bloemfontein Young Tigers, which was campaigning in the old Vodacom Second Division, now ABC Motsepe League. I played there for a few months before I got scouted by coach Manqoba Mngqithi at Golden Arrows. What made it easy at Bloemfontein Young Tigers is that I started in the youth teams and familiarised myself with the team. We had a good squad and quality players like Ditheko Mototo and goalkeeper Tshepo Motsoeneng. There were a couple of other good players, but unfortunately, we never got promoted to the DStv Premiership.
How did Golden Arrows spot you?
We were playing against Maritzburg City; I remember it was on a Friday. I received a call after the game that Arrows were interested in me and I had to go and join them. I was ready even though I only had a couple of matches under my belt. That was an opportunity I couldn't miss. Opportunities like that come once in a lifetime. I felt ready, and being young, Arrows' support also helped. Back then coach Khabo Zondo was well known for working with youngsters and helping them to improve. Arrows were playing good, entertaining football. We had a lot of skilful players mixed with experience. Lucky Sibeko, Thokozani Mshengu, Papi Zothwane, and the late Richard Henyake were there, and that helped me to settle down. But it took me a while before I could register because of the agreement between Tigers and Arrows. By the time I started playing I already knew how the team was playing. The late chairman Rocky Madlala made it clear to me that he wanted me to stay.
What memories do you have of your first match in topflight football?
Yes, I unexpectedly played my first match against Kaizer Chiefs, and I only did my registration and medicals the day before. Initially, I was not part of that team, but as soon as I was told that I was going to register, it was a nervy moment because the match was on TV. The guys made it easy for me, and the coaches told me that I could make it. We played well, but unfortunately, we lost at the end.
What is your most memorable game from your time at Golden Arrows?
It was a Telkom Knockout match against Kaizer Chiefs in Durban. Chatsworth Stadium was packed, and most fans were behind Chiefs because they expected it to be a walkover. At the time Chiefs had players like Arthur Zwane, Tinashe Nengomashe, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala. But we surprised them and scored three goals in the first half and ended up winning the match 4-1. That was the best match that Arrows played during my time at the team. We were controlling everything in terms of ball possession, and we won all the physical battles. A couple of weeks later, I went to the national team camp, and Shabba (Siphiwe Tshabalala) told me how furious their coach Muhsin Ertugral was at half-time. They didn't follow the task of marking certain players that they needed to pay attention to, myself included. But I think we were outstanding in that match.
When Arrows beat Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the 2009 MTN8 final, you had already left to join Fulham in the English Premier League.
Yes, I had already moved and I only watched that game later on TV. In 2008, I went to Fulham for a two-week assessment and I was told that I must go back to Arrows and finish the season before I return to England. But that Arrows team was special, man, we had a good mixture of young and experienced players who had spent a lot of time together. There was a lot of understanding and that helped the team grow.
How did Fulham know about you before inviting you for trials?
I was playing for Bafana Bafana against Australia in London at Queens Park Rangers Stadium (Loftus Road). The invite came from the manager Roy Hodgson. Sometimes when you are playing, you don't realise the good that you are doing. I don't think I played well in that match against Australia; in fact, the whole team didn't do well, and the pitch was wet and the weather was cold. But based on what they saw, Fulham thought I had what it took to improve their team. It was a surprising move, but I was excited about it.
By Zola Doda
STILL IN TOUCH FUN FACTS
Favourite stadium: I played at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
My favourite teammate: Musa Bilankulu
Opponent I respected the most: Mesut Ozil when he was at Arsenal
Team I'd have loved to play for: Tottenham Hotspur
Favourite PSL player right now:
I like Themba Zwane, he is doing very well.
Best coach I played under:
Manqoba Mngqithi at Golden Arrows
