Where are they now? With Mkhululi Chimoio

This week we feature former Zimbabwe U-23 international and Njube Sundowns midfielder who is now based in Johannesburg, where he is a teacher. He speaks with nostalgia about Africas biggest event, the FIFA World Cup.

QUESTION: Long time brother, how are you? We last saw you play five years ago. Can you briefly tell us on what you are doing nowadays?

(Pictured: Former Zimbabwe soccer star now a High school teacher in Johannesburg)

Siziba: Thanks mfowethu (brother), Eisssh, I have changed my profession big brother, I am a currently a teacher at Mahlaside High School in Jeppes Township.

QUESTION: Take us back to your football career.

Siziba: It all started on streets at a tender age of 10 years. I joined Njube Sundowns then as a junior player and I rose through the ranks till I graduated to the reserve side at 17 years. While turning out for the reserve side I was spotted by the then first Division side Sparrows F.C who were owned by Bulawayo prominent businessman Mandla Moyo. I spent two seasons with Sparrows but on our second season I rejoined Sundowns as Sparrows was demoted to the wilderness of second division. When I arrived back at Sundowns I was on top of my game and I was promoted to the first team and that’s when my career blossomed. I had a good season, and that time I caught the eyes of the National team selectors who included me in the Cosafa Cup U-20 tournament which was hosted by Botswana in 2005. The rest is history.

QUESTION: Can you share with us, how did you get your nickname mtakamama?

Siziba – You are bringing good memories to me if you remind me of that name. I used to call everyone in the pitch mtakamama, just because I saw them as my brothers. My teammates ended up calling me with that name and everyone in the team adopted the name. So the name just grew from there.

QUESTION: What propelled you to come to South Africa?

Siziba: As you know our country economically and politically went down in the last decade, so I was forced to seek for greener pastures. I am a teacher of English. Although I trained at Bulawayo Hillside College as a teacher in Bulawayo I only concentrated on football in Zimbabwe.

QUESTION: We know you as a football player, but now you are a teacher, do you not think you are wasting your talent?

Siziba: I am not done chief, if things normalise back home I will return and don the black and white kit of Highlanders. I still have a lot of things. One day I will come back to football before age catches up with me.

Siziba: Uyazi nawe iBosso yithimu yezwe lonke (you know Highlanders is the nation’s team).

QUESTION: What can you say about life in Jozi?

Siziba: Jozi is full of entertainment but I am very nostalgic about home. I miss home a lot and I always envisage myself in Barbourfields and Luveve Stadium. I miss eMagumeni mfowethu.

QUESTION: With World Cup just less than 30 days to begin, do you think South Africa will manage?

Siziba: I think South Africa is positively on the right track, pertaining to World Cup preparations. Just look at the Confederations Cup of last year. It was well organised and progressed smoothly.

South Africa has completed all their stadiums, where action will be taking place, for instance we have Coca cola Park here in Johannesburg, even if FIFA decides that the World Cup be played today I think South Africa will do African continent very proud.

In terms of security, South Africa is also well prepared as was witnessed last year in the Confederations Cup tournament. Security forces did everything exceptionally well in controlling and protecting everyone who was involved. This shows everything will be in place for the first ever World Cup in African Continent.

Editors note: If you know of anyone whom you want us to feature or you want to be featured, you can e mail chimz4@yahoo.com or call +27 79 839 3945 0r +27 74 825 1113.