My Dream Team
David Kannemeyer started his a areer as a striker and played in th hat position until he reached the Western Province Under-20 team, which also contained the likes of Matthew Booth and Benni McCarthy. But after making his professional debut at Cape Town S
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender David Kannemeyer picks his best-ever XI from past teammates.
Goalkeeper Wayne Roberts
Wayne and I go a long way back from our days at Cape Town Spurs to the various national teams. He could handle the ball well and was very good with his feet. When we played at the 1997 Under-20 African Youth Championships in Morocco, he stopped a penalty with one hand – a brilliant save that was the highlight of that tournament! After that he went to Manchester United for trials but because of his well-documented problems, he couldn’t go back. We were close on and off the field.
Right-back Craig Rosslee
Craig was the best in this position. He had a big heart, good engine and could cross the ball well. When I played for Ajax Cape Town, we had Duran Francis, but Craig was different – he was a top defender.
Left-back David Kannemeyer
I would have preferred not to pick myself because David Nyathi was also good. I only got my chance to play after he left for Kaizer Chiefs in 1996. I played my best football at Mamelodi Sundowns, we had a great team under coach Angel Cappa. He prepared us very well and there were never any unhappy players. We all worked towards one goal and that was to win trophies.
Centre-back Fabian McCarthy
Fabian was a good leader, he read the game well and could pass with both feet. His tackles were always timed to perfection. I still have a great deal of respect for Fabian.
Centre-back Matthew Booth
I played with Matthew at Cape Town Spurs and national teams, but our defensive combination with Fabian at the back made our team strong. I came a long way with Matthew because we also played Under-13 together with Western Province. When I took corners, I could easily find him!
Central midfield Quinton Fortune
Quinton also played left-wing, but he was more effective in the centre. He was very aggressive as a player and was always vocal. I think that came with him playing in Europe. He was not just defensive but skilful as well.
Right-wing Jabu Mahlangu
I will go for ‘Shuffle’ in this position because he could dribble and moved forward at pace. He eliminated defenders and was always exciting to watch. He was a confident player and we were together at Kaizer Chiefs and the national team. Even though his position was right-wing, there were matches where he played on the left because he could easily switch.
Playmaker Abram Nteo
We played together at the Under-23 All Africa Games and later the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. He had good energy and could pass the well. He was part of the Under-20 team that played at the World Cup in Malaysia [in 1997].
Forward Benni McCarthy
I was with Benni in the Sunday Leagues in Hanover Park when we played for gangsters and when he joined Cape Town Spurs on loan from Seven Stars, I used to go and pick him up because he didn’t have a car. But he was just an amazing striker – he scored, dribbled and I really enjoyed playing with him.
Forward Daniel Matsau
‘Massaro’ was very short but strong. A very busy striker who gave defenders run for their money. He had a big heart for a small man and a great personality. We played together at Under-20 and Under-23. When I arrived at Kaizer Chiefs he had just left
Left-wing Stanton Fredericks
Stanton was also helpful in tracking back and defending. I used to tell him not to drop back a lot because we needed him more forward than at the back. But Stanton was just brilliant and we understood each other very well.