FACT FILE:

Full name – Menzi Maxwell Zikalala

Nickname – King Dunga

Place of Birth – Mankayane

Jersey number – 2

Position – Midfielder

Previous clubs – Midas City, Umbelebele, Manzini Wanderers, Mbabane Highlanders, Green Mamba

Current occupation – Correctional Services officer

to leave them again.

TS – What happened?

King Dunga – We had won the league and it was during the time when the league was finished in December. To our surprise, the team failed to give us money for the festive and I said to myself it was time football repays me for the years I have played it.

TS – How?

King Dunga – It was in the preseason when Green Mamba came knocking. I spent the entire preseason with Highlanders as we were preparing for the then Swazi Telecom Charity Cup. On match-day I decided to not attend and they were beaten in the first game by Moneni Pirates. TS – Hhayi wena Dunga!

King Dunga – I think it was a blessing in disguise for the boss not to give us money as I told myself that I was done depending on someone. See where I am today.

TS – How is the standard of the sport now compared to your days?

King Dunga – The players of yesteryears where hard working and dedicated to the sport, we didn’t get anything only training and winning allowances. Nowadays our players are paid but their commitment is questionable. It has dropped big time and this is shown by the number of supporters watching games at stadiums.

TS – What advice can you share with the current crop of players?

King Dunga – They should work hard and be passionate about whatever they are doing. They should set goals. Let me share this short story about me.

TS – Please do.

King Dunga – I used to listen to Sgayoyo Magongo commentating with my mother and aunt. One day they took me to Somhlolo National Stadium. I told them that one day I will sing the national anthem in Sihlangu colours. I did happen and I was happy that my mother was there to witness that, it was due to the goal I set for myself.

TS – Ha ha ha. What changes could you bring to our sport if by any chance you are elected to be Eswatini Football Association president?

King Dunga – I really feel sorry for these guys, there is nothing they can do without the help from government. Mine I would start by thinking what the governemt should do for the sport. The governemt is the only vehicle that can take soccer to professionalism. I would request government to give each premier league team E1 million each. This would help in terms of competition as now team would want to be relegated and the NFD teams would push each other to get into the premier league for the million.

TS – Well said Dunga. Thanks for your time mfowethu.

King Dunga – Anytime bra.

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