Ricardo Katza is back in the building, and he has answered the rest of your questions! Today, he discusses his partnership with Siboniso Gaxa, his thoughts on Stuart Baxter, and the highlight of his career.
The way you and Gaxa used to play or defend was so awesome, so my question is: what was the secret behind that solid partnerships? – Lilmahlathini
Ricardo Katza: The thing that helped us was the fact that no one thought he was bigger than the other one. Pa Gaxa is probably the best defender I have played with. He has been consistent over the years and has been a very good defender, both in defence and attack. The best game we played together was when we beat Kaizer Chiefs in the Super8 cup in 2004 in Durban, when we won 1-0. He marked Collins Mbesuma out of the game and got the Man of the Match award. I got a 9/10 for that game.
What do you think of Baxter's move to SuperSport? – LAPO_MOLEBATSI
RK: Stuart Baxter is probably the best coach in the organisation, both on and off the field, and a very good, knowledgeable coach with lots of experience, both local and international. When I heard that he was coming, I was very excited and impressed because I know what he has to offer a club like SuperSport United.
What was the highlight of your career, especially with SuperSport? – Allen.Ak05.Matjhila.Khasto43
RK: My highlight was when I actually signed for SuperSport United, and I think three games into the 2003/04 season, I got named the club captain. A boy coming from the Cape Flats to lead a Johannesburg-based club to two cups three league titles was a huge honour and highlight for me.
I think you were still young when you hung up your boots. What was your reasoning for retiring at the age of 34? – Zax5_Bucs
RK: This answer is a bit sensitive but I guess it's time to let you know. I had an option year in my contract, which the club refused to give me, which would have given me 10 years as a player. Leading up to that, I had to play three more games to have the club record of 225 games, but for some reason I was kept on the bench, left out of the team. Even other players from other positions played in my position while I was fit to play. When I decided to retire, I was happy to be home with my family more than being at the club as a player. Loyalty is not for the person you are loyal to but for yourself as a person. Lesson learned.
What is your biggest achievement in football? – pringo
RK: My biggest achievement in football is the fact that I played for 14 years in the PSL, with over 350 games, and also played 19 times for Bafana (eight times as captain), and travelled the world. I did all this after not wanting to be a football player as I stopped when I was 16 years old, only to start again at 20 years old. Went for trials in December 1998 and three days later I signed my first contract with Seven Stars under coach Gavin Hunt, and in 2012 retired under coach Gavin Hunt at SuperSport.
What are your fondest memories of Ricardo?
