SA model laps it up in new beer ad
‘Plays’ alongside football legend Mourinho
GUGULETHU model Vincent Ntunja scored a career goal when he got to feature in an advert with one of football’s greatest managers, José Mourinho, and have the ad directed by heavyweight film-maker Guy Ritchie.
Ntunja says featuring in the new Heineken Champions League football advert alongside the Manchester United manager was “unforgettable”.
“It’s such an honour. This guy is widely regarded by players and coaches as one of the best managers of his generation, and one of the greatest-ever managers of the football game.”
The advert, directed by Ritchie, who is also Madonna’s ex-husband, is currently being shown in 90 different countries, including South Africa.
Ntunja, a model and professional basketball player, spent more than a week with the Portuguese manager shooting the advert in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
“Mourinho is not really a talkative guy. He’s an introvert and keeps to himself.
“However, we had a week together so at some point we had to chat. Mostly it was about world football. He loves African footballers, so he follows games to look out for new talent.”
The 35-year-old model said the Red Devils’ manager also spoke about his family.
“He talked to me about his son, José Mourinho jr, who is a goalkeeper for the Fulham junior side. We also discussed world politics, and that’s when he showed a very charismatic and opinionated side, which I guess is what most football fans are used to.”
The ad was shot just weeks before “the Special One” was instilled as the new manager at Old Trafford.
“On many occasions I teased him about being the next manager, and he would giggle and try to change the conversation. I knew then that he would be going to Old Trafford.”
In the ad Ntunja plays a man on a safari who hears the voice of Mourinho giving a pep talk to his players. It prompts Ntunja’s character to direct the ranger to head back to camp so they can watch a Uefa Champions League game.
He said the commercial was inspirational. “After listening to it you’d want to get on with life, go win the game”.
Ntunja also said it had been an honour working with Ritchie. “It’s not every day one gets to work and hang around with such superstars.”
The highlight for Ntunja was when Ritchie shook his hand and said: “Job well done. I sure would love to work with you again, mate.”
sameer.naik@inl.co.za